Read more about the article EPA Considers Revising Certain Emissions Rules for Fossil Fuel Plants
Energy / Environment
EPA Considers Revising Certain Emissions Rules for Fossil Fuel Plants

The EPA is considering revising certain regulations limiting wastewater from fossil fuel-powered energy-generating facilities.  Late last month, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the agency’s intent to update the 2024 Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELGs) for Steam Electric Power Generating Units. On March 12, Administrator Lee Zeldin announced EPA would reconsider 2024 pollution limits for coal power plants. This summer, EPA intends to take the next step to advance this action by proposing to extend compliance deadlines…

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July 8, 2025
Read more about the article Montgomery Earns First ‘SolSmart Platinum’ Award in Maryland
County News / Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development
Montgomery Earns First ‘SolSmart Platinum’ Award in Maryland

Montgomery County is the first local government in Maryland to be recognized with a SolSmart Platinum designation, the highest level awarded, for encouraging the growth of affordable solar energy options at the local level. In 2020, Montgomery County was awarded a SolSmart Gold designation.    From the county press release:  “We’ve worked hard to remove the barriers that slow down solar adoption, and this recognition shows that the work is paying off,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.…

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June 26, 2025
Read more about the article Federal Judge Grants PSEG Access To Private Land for Power Line Surveys
Energy / Government Liability and Courts / News You Can Use
Federal Judge Grants PSEG Access To Private Land for Power Line Surveys

A federal judge has ruled in favor of PSEG, the New Jersey-based developer of the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), granting the company limited access to private property to conduct environmental and engineering surveys. The ruling escalates an already contentious issue, as county governments and residents continue to raise concerns about the project’s potential impact on communities and landowners. As previously reported on Conduit Street, the MPRP proposes a new 500,000-volt transmission line, approximately…

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June 24, 2025
Read more about the article Austin TX Transportation Authority Successfully Tests Autonomous Bus
Energy / Housing and Community Development / Transportation and Public Works
Austin TX Transportation Authority Successfully Tests Autonomous Bus

In May, Austin’s CapMetro successfully tested an autonomous bus, a key step toward more affordable public transit infrastructure. Last month, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) in Austin, TX, in coordination with the WSP, tested North America’s first fully automated 40-foot electric transit bus. The bus, upgraded to drive itself (Level 4 autonomy), successfully navigated a bus yard on its own, avoiding obstacles, parking precisely, and even starting a charging session under a pantograph without…

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June 24, 2025
Read more about the article Maryland Braces for Prolonged Extreme Heat
Emergency Management / Energy / Environment / Transportation and Public Works
Maryland Braces for Prolonged Extreme Heat

A dangerous stretch of extreme heat grips Maryland, breaking records and straining local services. As June comes to a close, Maryland—along with much of the Midwest and Eastern U.S.—is facing several consecutive days of extreme heat. While isolated days above 100°F aren’t unusual during Maryland summers, it’s rare to see such high temperatures this early in the season and for such an extended stretch. These prolonged heat waves are becoming more frequent, with temperature records…

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June 23, 2025
Read more about the article Fleet Electrification Made Easy for Counties
County News / Energy / Environment / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Transportation and Public Works
Fleet Electrification Made Easy for Counties

This week's publication of the Resource Roundup by NACo Public Promise Procurement focuses on counties' sustainability goals and modernizing their operations through fleet electrification. To help counties navigate this transition, United Rentals – through its contract with Public Promise Procurement, powered by NACo – offers a flexible, cost-effective pathway to test and implement electrification strategies. A Turnkey Solution for Counties The United Rentals contract (Contract #240153) available through Public Promise Procurement provides counties with access…

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June 19, 2025
Read more about the article Sun Commentary Highlights Ongoing Debate Over Piedmont Project
Energy / Environment
Sun Commentary Highlights Ongoing Debate Over Piedmont Project

Recent dueling commentary in the Baltimore Sun highlights the continuing debates and controversy surrounding the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.  The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) is a proposed transmission initiative designed to enhance grid reliability and meet growing electricity demand in northern Virginia. The project spans approximately 70 miles through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties and involves building a new 500 kV overhead transmission line. Developed in coordination with PJM, the multi-state regional grid operator,…

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June 17, 2025
Read more about the article Tariffs Likely To Exacerbate High Energy Costs
Energy / Environment
Tariffs Likely To Exacerbate High Energy Costs

New reports indicate that tariffs will likely exacerbate high energy costs, slow renewables and electrification transition.  Recent reports from Wood Mackenzie and Anza Renewables show that new tariffs on imported energy storage and solar components are sharply increasing the cost of power generation in the U.S. Based on recent projections, prices for utility-scale solar facilities in the US will be 54% more expensive than in Europe and 85% more expensive than a new solar plant…

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June 17, 2025
Read more about the article Feds Move to End California Emissions Waiver, State To Challenge Decision
Energy / Environment / Transportation and Public Works
Feds Move to End California Emissions Waiver, State To Challenge Decision

The President signed a Congressional resolution ending California's Vehicle Emissions Waiver, preempting the state from setting stricter emissions standards.  In a significant shift, the U.S. Senate voted in May 2025 to rescind California’s long-standing authority to set vehicle emissions standards that exceed federal requirements. This move, made through the Congressional Review Act, targets the state’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, which aim to phase out new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035. Proponents of the rollback—including…

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June 16, 2025
Read more about the article House Passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” May Slow Renewables Development
Energy / Environment
House Passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” May Slow Renewables Development

The House version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” will likely have significant consequences for renewable energy development in Maryland and nationwide.  The “One Big Beautiful Bill,” recently passed by the U.S. House, would significantly roll back clean energy provisions established under the Inflation Reduction Act. If enacted, the bill would eliminate major tax credits for clean electricity production and investment unless projects begin within 60 days of passage or come online before 2029. It…

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June 16, 2025
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