Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Maryland’s Energy Future
Energy / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Maryland’s Energy Future

At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard how upcoming energy changes could impact local planning, infrastructure, and economic development.  Maryland has long aimed to lead in the renewable energy transition, with state policymakers pushing bold goals on clean energy, electrification, and efficiency. Over the past decade, legislative and executive actions have driven progress—but rising regional energy demands and shifting federal policies are creating new challenges. Senator Mary Beth Carozza led the conversation and moderated an…

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August 18, 2025
Read more about the article Retrofits Outshine New Builds in Climate Fight, Says New Report
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
Retrofits Outshine New Builds in Climate Fight, Says New Report

A new paper titled "Radical Retrofit - Adapting Cities for a Resilient Future" outlines how retrofitting existing structures has more climate benefits over new builds.  The Radical Retrofit report highlights how upgrading existing buildings—called retrofitting—can help communities meet climate goals, reduce energy use, and improve building comfort and safety. Most buildings standing today will still be around in 2050, so retrofitting is critical. While nearly 70% of surveyed organizations say they’ve done more retrofits in recent years,…

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August 5, 2025
Read more about the article The EPA’s Big Climate Rollback: What It Means for Counties
Energy / Environment / Transportation and Public Works
The EPA’s Big Climate Rollback: What It Means for Counties

EPA proposes ending federal greenhouse gas rules, shifting climate oversight to states and localities. On July 29, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed repealing the 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding. This finding has served as the scientific and legal basis for regulating GHG emissions under the Clean Air Act. Its removal would eliminate the federal government’s authority to regulate emissions from major sources such as vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities. The…

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August 5, 2025
Read more about the article Annapolis, Energy, and the Future: A County Conversation With MEA
County News / Energy / Environment / Leadership / Planning and Zoning / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Annapolis, Energy, and the Future: A County Conversation With MEA

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko is joined by Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Director Paul Pinsky and Program Manager Lacey Allor for a wide-ranging conversation about Annapolis, MEA's $64M county grant program (L-GEM), and Maryland’s energy future.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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July 25, 2025
Read more about the article PJM Auction Maxes Out — Maryland Faces Higher Energy Costs (Again)
Energy / News You Can Use
PJM Auction Maxes Out — Maryland Faces Higher Energy Costs (Again)

Maryland residents should brace for higher electricity rates after PJM’s latest capacity auction reached the federal price cap, underscoring growing reliability concerns and a supply-demand mismatch across the grid. The capacity price for the 2026-2027 delivery year hit $329.17 per megawatt-day — the maximum allowed — marking a 22% increase over last year’s already record-breaking results. PJM projects the increase could raise electric bills by 1.5% to 5%, depending on the state. What Is the…

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July 24, 2025
Read more about the article PJM Capacity Auction Will Send Energy Prices Soaring
Business Affairs / Energy
PJM Capacity Auction Will Send Energy Prices Soaring

Maryland residents should brace for higher electricity rates after PJM’s latest capacity auction reached the federal price cap, underscoring growing reliability concerns and a supply-demand mismatch across the grid. Electricity bills are likely to increase again across Maryland in 2026, following a recent capacity auction by PJM Interconnection, which coordinates electricity for 65 million people across 13 states, including Maryland. The capacity auction is PJM’s tool for securing a sufficient electricity supply to meet future…

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July 24, 2025
Read more about the article Gov Moore Signs Environmental Justice Executive Order
Energy / Environment
Gov Moore Signs Environmental Justice Executive Order

Last week, Governor Moore signed an executive order aimed at advancing environmental justice for communities burdened by pollution. Late last week, Governor Wes Moore signed an execut​ive order establishing a more unified approach to promoting environmental justice in Maryland. The Valuing Opportunity, Inclusion, and Community Equity order will help foster a whole-of-government approach to advance meaningful engagement with communities that have historically borne a disproportionate burden of environmental pollution. According to the press release, “Every Marylander…

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July 23, 2025
Read more about the article Solar Takes Lion’s Share of New Generation, Uncertain Future Remains
Energy / Environment / Summer Conference
Solar Takes Lion’s Share of New Generation, Uncertain Future Remains

A report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shows solar dominates new energy generation nationally, but headwinds strengthen.  A new report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shows that between January and April 2025, the U.S. added about 12 gigawatts (GW) of new electricity generation capacity—up from 11 GW during the same period in 2024. Solar power led the way, accounting for nearly 9.5 GW of that growth, followed by 2 GW from wind and…

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July 22, 2025
Read more about the article EPA Challenges Maryland Offshore Wind Project Permit Validity
Energy / Environment / Summer Conference
EPA Challenges Maryland Offshore Wind Project Permit Validity

In a recent letter to state regulators, the EPA challenged the validity of a state permit for Maryland's only offshore wind project.  In a recent letter from EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey, agency officials notified Maryland regulators that certain provisions within the permit for the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, being developed by U.S. Wind, Inc. (US Wind), were invalid and needed to be amended before the project could proceed. In order for the…

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July 15, 2025
Read more about the article Climate Change is a County Issue, Capitol News Service Breaks Down Maryland Impacts
Energy
Climate Change is a County Issue, Capitol News Service Breaks Down Maryland Impacts

In a recent article on local impacts of climate change, Maryland Reporter broke down what this means on the ground in six Maryland regions.  Maryland is feeling the effects of climate change in every corner of the state—rising temperatures, heavier rainfall, and more frequent extreme weather are now common challenges for local governments. A recent Capitol News Service (CSN) article outlines how these shifting environmental conditions are playing out across six regions. Coastal counties like…

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July 10, 2025
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