Councilman Marks: State solar legislation takes away local input

The following is an op-ed piece from Councilman David Marks. In Maryland, like everywhere throughout the country, local governments obtain their authority from the state government. This is known as Dillon’s Rule, and it means that the Maryland General Assembly can pass laws that preempt the counties. Sometimes it might be warranted, but at other times, it is legislative overreach. […]

Baltimore County to intervene in transmission line project

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County will formally intervene in the Maryland Public Service Commission’s review of a proposed high-voltage transmission line project, County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced Monday. The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project would involve construction of a 145-mile-long overhead transmission line from a site near Conowingo Dam through Baltimore and Carroll counties to a substation in Pennsylvania. The Maryland Piedmont Reliability […]

Governor Moore urges caution in wake of winter storm as bitter cold moves in

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore is urging Marylanders to avoid non-essential travel so highway crews can continue to clear up from the winter storm. In a press conference, the governor emphasized the need for clear roads to allow highway crews to work effectively and for residents to stay safe in the face of bitter cold temperatures and wind chills. “Maryland is […]

Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Transmission line project threatens 500 acres of protected land

BALTIMORE, MD—A new report from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) suggests that a proposed Maryland transmission line project would threaten over 500 acres of protected land, including forests and wetlands. According to a Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) report, the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, a proposed 70-mile transmission line through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties, would threaten over 500 acres of […]

Governor Moore announces EmPOWER Maryland plan to increase energy efficiency in more than 60,000 households

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week announced that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will increase the number of households served by its EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program over the next three years. The approved plan is in response to new statewide household electric savings goals for limited-income households, established by the passage of HB169 during the 2023 […]

Two sessions set for public to comment on impacts of BGE’s proposed rate increase

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Public Service Commission has scheduled two initial virtual public comment hearings on the multi-year rate plan filed in February by Baltimore Gas and Electric. Utility customers and other interested parties are invited to take part in the hearings on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 7 p.m. and Wednesday, August 23 at 7 p.m. The Commission will schedule […]

Governor Moore announces Delegate Kumar Barve appointment to Public Service Commission

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore has announced that Delegate Kumar Barve will be appointed to the Public Service Commission. The appointment will occur after the 2023 legislative session. “I am proud to announce the selection of Delegate Kumar Barve to serve on the Public Service Commission. He is a veteran of the Maryland House of Delegates and his leadership within the […]

New 227 area code coming to Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD—A new telephone area code will soon be coming to Maryland. The Maryland Public Service Commission on Wednesday announced the assignment of 227 as a new area code which will eventually serve the same geographic area in Maryland currently served by the 240 and 301 area codes. The Commission voted on August 3, 2022, to approve a petition filed […]