Report: Reduction in New Plastics Must Take Priority
Environment
Report: Reduction in New Plastics Must Take Priority

Maryland recycles at higher rates than some other states but has room to improve in both volume recycled and structure of programs, according to a new report. The report, published by Environment Maryland and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG), calls on Maryland to redesign systems to prioritize a reduction in plastic use and adapt more comprehensive recycling efforts where reduction is not possible. According to the report: Maryland has recycled and composted​…

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November 18, 2019
Save the Date for Climate Leadership Academy Workshop for Elected & Appointed County Officials
Environment / News You Can Use
Save the Date for Climate Leadership Academy Workshop for Elected & Appointed County Officials

Maryland's Climate Leadership Academy is offering a one-day workshop for county and municipal elected and appointed officials to discuss the local government challenges, including economic, infrastructure, public safety, and public health, posed by climate change. The Climate Leadership Academy is a unique state program that offers climate change education and training to state and local officials and other key stakeholders. SAVE THE DATE - OFFICIAL INVITATIONS AND AGENDA INFORMATION COMING SOON Maryland Climate Leadership Academy…

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November 15, 2019
Washington County Appoints New Director of Environmental Management
Jeremy Mose (photo courtesy of Washington County Government)
County News / Environment / News You Can Use
Washington County Appoints New Director of Environmental Management

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners today announced the appointment of Jeremy Mose as the new director of Environmental Management. Mose's appointment will be effective upon the retirement of the current Director of Environmental Management, Dan Divito. “I am honored for this opportunity to serve as the director of Environmental Management and continue my service to the citizens of Washington County. I look forward to working with our elected officials and the dedicated employees…

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November 14, 2019
Carroll County Appeals Stormwater Case to Supreme Court
County News / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations
Carroll County Appeals Stormwater Case to Supreme Court

A Daily Record article (2019-11-13) reported that Carroll County is appealing the Maryland Court of Appeals' ruling that affirms the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has authority to impose more stringent stormwater pollution-prevention standards than those outlined in the federal Clean Water Act. As previously reported on Conduit Street, the Court of Appeals upheld MDE's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for Carroll and Frederick Counties in August of last year. Carroll County…

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November 13, 2019
Graywater Efficiencies at #MACoCon
Environment / Winter Conference
Graywater Efficiencies at #MACoCon

Find out how reusing slightly dirty water (aka “graywater”) has both environmental and economic benefits at the December 2019 MACo Winter Conference. Learn how graywater recycling could help your county be more efficient. 50 Shades of Graywater: What Does Water Reuse Mean For Your County? Description The General Assembly passed legislation in 2019 authorizing graywater reuse in residential settings and now both the state and local governments must create new regulations and policies. Panelists will…

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November 12, 2019
CCAN Hosts Climate Summit
Environment / Winter Conference
CCAN Hosts Climate Summit

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is hosting "Rebuild Maryland: The People's Climate Summit" on December 14th, 2019. This day-long event is intended to inform attendees on climate solutions with attention to Maryland's goals. From the event page: On December 14, 2019, a coalition of advocacy groups large and small — faith leaders, labor activists, environmental groups, and others — will be hosting an exciting one-day conference called Rebuild Maryland: The People's Climate Summit. We'll…

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November 9, 2019
Baltimore City Council Approves Retail Plastic Bag Ban
Business Affairs / Environment
Baltimore City Council Approves Retail Plastic Bag Ban

A Baltimore Sun article (2019-11-04) reports that the Baltimore City Council has given preliminary approval for a ban on retailers' use of plastic bags. The article notes that attempts have been made since 2006 to ban the use of plastic bags in the city, but all have failed for a varying reasons. As previously reported by Conduit Street, this particular piece of legislation had stalled over debates regarding the fee structure of other types of…

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November 8, 2019
Cecil’s Forest Conservation Program Gets Favorable Review
County News / Environment
Cecil’s Forest Conservation Program Gets Favorable Review

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) last week praised the Cecil County Department of Land Use and Development Services' (LUDS) implementation of the County's Forest Conservation Program. During its biennial review of the program, DNR gave the plan a favorable review. “Cecil County’s forest conservation efforts are vitally important to ensure a clean environment for our citizens now and future generations,” said County Executive Alan McCarthy. “This favorable review is another example of the…

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November 6, 2019
Best Practices for Solar Siting at #MACoCon
Agriculture / Environment / Government Liability and Courts / Planning and Zoning / Winter Conference
Best Practices for Solar Siting at #MACoCon

Find out the latest on local solar siting regulations and zoning at the December 2019 MACo Winter Conference. Learn how counties are working with the recent Perennial decision and discover best practices that could help your county address this challenging land use issue. Let the Sunshine In: What You Need to Know About Solar Energy Siting Description The siting of large, utility-scale solar facilities in Maryland remains an ongoing concern for county governments. A recent Court of…

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November 5, 2019
Frazier to Serve on NACo Steering Committee
Commissioner Dennis Frazier (photo courtesy: Carroll County Government)
County News / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues
Frazier to Serve on NACo Steering Committee

The National Association of Counties (NACo) recently announced the appointment of Carroll County Commissioner Dennis Frazier to serve on its Environment, Energy, and Land Use Policy Steering Committee. NACo policy steering committee members are appointed by state associations and serve one-year terms. Policy steering committees annually review and make recommendations on federal policy issues and legislation. They start the policy development process leading to the development of the American County Platform, which guides the county…

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November 4, 2019
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