Environment Archives

Special Bonus Episode: Frederick County’s Data Center Playbook

Following the response to The Briefing Room's energy series, we're revisiting one of the topics that generated the most listener interest: data centers. In this special bonus episode, Dom Butchko is joined by Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater to discuss why Frederick County has become one of Maryland's leaders in developing local data center policy. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and…

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August 7, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Environment / Transportation and Public Works

Maryland Releases First Statewide EV Infrastructure Plan

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has released the state's first Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan (ZEVIP), providing counties and other local partners with a roadmap for expanding public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure over the next five years. The plan examines projected EV adoption and charging needs through 2031 while outlining strategies to support future charging investments across Maryland. It is intended to help state agencies, local governments, utilities, and private-sector partners coordinate infrastructure…

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August 6, 2026

Environment / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works

Bay Goals, Stormwater Realities: What Counties Need to Know

Hear how the state and counties are partnering improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay. The health of the Chesapeake Bay is essential to Maryland’s environment, economy, and quality of life. Clean water supports wildlife, recreation, tourism, agriculture, and communities across the state. Preserving this natural resource requires continued investment in stormwater management, wastewater systems, and aging infrastructure. Counties will play a central role in continuing to advance this work, tailoring restoration efforts to meet…

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August 4, 2026

Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works

Exelon Cuts Data Center Demand Forecast After Stricter Review

Exelon sharply reduced its projected data center demand after applying stronger financial and contractual standards. Exelon reduced its estimate of highly probable data center demand from 18 GW to approximately 11 GW after applying stricter financial and contractual standards to proposed projects. The company’s broader data center interconnection pipeline also declined from about 43 GW to 25 GW, indicating that a significant portion of previously proposed demand may have been speculative or insufficiently developed. Transmission…

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August 3, 2026

Corporate Partners / Energy / Environment / Feature

Schneider Electric Recognized as World’s Most Sustainable Company for Third Consecutive Year

Schneider Electric, a Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Corporate Partner, has announced it was named TIME Magazine and Statista's World's Most Sustainable Company for the third consecutive year. The annual ranking evaluates 5,000 of the world's largest and most influential companies based on sustainability performance. Schneider Electric said the recognition reflects its long-term commitment to integrating sustainability into its business strategy, governance, and operations. The announcement comes as the company launches Impact 2030, its newest…

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July 30, 2026

Environment / Transportation and Public Works

EPA Study Finds Municipal Waste Incineration Can Destroy Most PFAS

EPA testing found that high-temperature municipal waste combustion destroyed or removed approximately 98% of measured PFAS-related compounds. EPA testing at a Florida municipal waste-to-energy facility found that the combustion process destroyed or removed approximately 98% of the PFAS-related compounds used in the study. The facility operates above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and researchers estimated that its remaining annual PFAS air emissions were relatively low, including minimal PFOA and no detected PFOS. The results suggest municipal waste…

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July 29, 2026

Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Transportation and Public Works

FERC Pushes PJM Governance Reforms Amid Data Center Growth

Federal regulators call for governance reforms at PJM as data center demand, rising costs, and reliability concerns place pressure on regional electric grid. Federal regulators are pressing PJM Interconnection to overhaul its governance and decision-making process as rapid data center growth, limited new generation, and rising capacity prices strain the regional power market. Proposed reforms include strengthening the independence of PJM’s board, reducing the ability of industry sectors to block action, and replacing the current…

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July 28, 2026

Environment / Transportation and Public Works

Proposed Clean Water Changes Spell Trouble for Maryland

Proposed Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) changes spell trouble for Maryland state and local governments. A bipartisan Senate proposal would replace the decades-old formula used to distribute federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund dollars with a system based on current infrastructure needs, population, and poverty levels. The program provides low-interest loans and grants for sewer repairs, wastewater treatment upgrades, stormwater projects, and other water-quality improvements. The revised formula would increase funding for many fast-growing…

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July 28, 2026

Agriculture / Economic Development / Environment / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works

PFAS in Rural Maryland at #MACoCon

Hear how PFAS contamination poses growing public health and financial risks for rural counties and the communities they serve. PFAS contamination is a serious concern for rural counties because many residents rely on private wells and small water systems that may have limited capacity to detect, treat, or remove these persistent chemicals. Contamination can also affect agricultural soils, livestock, crops, and irrigation water, creating potential risks for the food supply and significant economic consequences for…

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July 27, 2026

County News / Environment / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference

Better Communication, Stronger Environmental Health at #MACoCon

The conversations surrounding environmental health are rarely simple, but clear communication can help everyone reach a better outcome. Whether responding to a restaurant inspection, investigating a septic system complaint, or helping a business understand permitting requirements, environmental health professionals regularly serve as the public face of local government. Strong communication skills can help turn potentially contentious encounters into productive conversations that build understanding, encourage voluntary compliance, and reinforce public confidence. Description: Environmental health professionals are…

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July 27, 2026