Agriculture / Environment / NACo and Federal Issues / Winter Conference
EPA Unveils New Waters of the United States Definition

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) unveiled a new proposed "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) definition on December 11, 2018. The WOTUS definition under the federal Clean Water Act determines what waterways are subject to the Act's protections and permitting requirements. The proposed definition will replace a controversial 2015 change to the definition that caused concern for many local governments and agricultural interests. History of WOTUS Definition…

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December 12, 2018
Environment
Bay Debris Cleanup Ongoing From Summer Storms

A Bay Journal article (2018-12-05) reported on the ongoing cleanup of debris and trash that flooded into the Chesapeake Bay from summer storms that occurred back in July. Debris poses not only a navigation and safety threat to boats but can foul restoration efforts undertaken by the State and local governments. According the article, 2018 is on track to be one of the wettest years ever record in the mid-Atlantic region, with Baltimore City receiving 59 inches…

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December 7, 2018
Agriculture / Environment / Housing and Community Development / NACo and Federal Issues / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
Carbon Tax Bill Introduced in House of Representatives

A Sustainable Cities Network article (2018-12-04) reported on the introduction of a bipartisan bill in the United States House of Representatives that would set a nationwide price and refund system for carbon emissions. Many climate change advocates support a carbon tax as a market driven approach to address climate change. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2018 (H.R.7173) is sponsored by Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL), Francis Rooney (D-FL), Charlie Christ (R-FL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Anna…

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December 7, 2018
Frederick, Fort Detrick Partnerships Earn Award from U.S. Army
Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner and Fort Detrick Garrison Commander Col. Scott M. Halter accept the 2018 Army Community Partnership Award (photo courtesy of Frederick County Government)
County News / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections
Frederick, Fort Detrick Partnerships Earn Award from U.S. Army

Frederick County Government and Fort Detrick were honored this week as winners of a 2018 Army Community Partnership Award. Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner and Fort Detrick Garrison Commander Col. Scott M. Halter accepted the award at the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. According to a press release: Frederick County and Fort Detrick were honored for two initiatives: dispatching Fort Detrick emergency calls from the County’s 9-1-1 center and assisting Fort…

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December 5, 2018
Business Affairs / County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Elections / Employee Benefits and Relations / Environment / Finance and Procurement / General Assembly News / Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / Pensions & Public Funds / Public Safety and Corrections / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Preview the 2019 Session “Big Picture”

A compilation of Issue Papers previews major fiscal and policy issues facing the General Assembly in the year ahead. This resource is a handy guide to the top issues that your legislators will be tackling in the year ahead – a great preparation document for county officials in advance of meetings with their local Delegations. Developed by the Department of Legislative Services, the 2019 Issue Papers are an annual staple for the Annapolis policy-inclined population.…

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December 3, 2018
Agriculture / Environment
Both Farmers & Environmentalists Concerned as Phosphorus Limits Ramp Up

A Bay Journal article (2018-11-28) reported that as regulations limiting the amount of phosphorus that can be applied to farmland are fully phased in, both farmers and environmentalists are expressing concerns about the potential consequences. Farmers are concerned about the problem of disposing of phosphorus-rich poultry litter that has traditionally been used as a fertilizer and the high cost of alternative fertilizers. Environmentalists are concerned about improving the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries…

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November 30, 2018
Environment / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Waste to Energy Plant in City & State Legislative Crosshairs

A Baltimore Sun article (2018-11-30) reported that legislation proposed by the Baltimore City Council and the Maryland General Assembly will target the City's waste to energy plant/trash incinerator. Proponents of the legislation argued that the plant produces significant amounts of air pollution and contributes to climate change. Opponents countered that waste to energy is environmentally better than landfilling, produces electricity more cleanly than fossil fuels, and that motor vehicles generate far more air pollution in the City…

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November 30, 2018
WGL Energy — Corporate Partner, Sponsor, and Top Performing Solar Project Provider
County News / Environment / Winter Conference
WGL Energy — Corporate Partner, Sponsor, and Top Performing Solar Project Provider

WGL Energy, a MACo Corporate Partner and Winter Conference Sponsor, has earned a spot in an independent study of the top 100 solar projects in the United States. The study was conducted by kWH analytics and the Solar Finance Council. According to WGL Energy's press release: WGL Energy is proud that our solar projects earned recognition among the industry’s leading performers. This award reflects our history of providing renewable energy services with dedicated customer service…

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November 27, 2018
Environment / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Do China’s Recycling Restrictions Spell Trouble for Maryland Counties? Learn the Answer at #MACoCon

China was previously the largest recycling processor in the world, accepting imports from Maryland counties and local governments across the United States. Now, China has initiated a new "National Sword" policy that may close this market - leaving our recycling collections without a place to be processed. Learn more about this pressing national and local challenge at the 2019 January MACo Winter Conference. Trash Backlash: Will Going Green Put Us in the Red? Description Maryland…

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November 26, 2018
Schneider Electric – Offering More Than Just Power
County News / Environment / Winter Conference
Schneider Electric – Offering More Than Just Power

Schneider Electric may have "electric" in the name, but they offer many more services than just power to your home, business, or county. Schneider Electric offers Data Center & Network Systems Building Systems Power Systems Machine Automation Process Systems Security Schneider Electric is leading the Digital Transformation of Energy Management and Automation in Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries. Would you like to learn more about Schneider Electric? You're in luck! As the sponsor…

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November 21, 2018
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