The Conduit Street Podcast is launching something new.

Introducing The Briefing Room, a new limited series designed to take a deeper dive into the complex policy issues shaping Maryland’s counties. In this first episode, host Dominic Butchko kicks off a multi-part series on energy policy, starting with the fundamentals: how the system works, who the key players are, and why it matters for local governments.

Joined by Maryland Energy Administration Director Kelly Speakes-Backman and Section Chief for Climate Programs and State Policy in Montgomery County, Garrett Fitzgerald, the conversation breaks down the often-overlooked structure of energy generation, transmission, and regulation, and unpacks the growing tension among affordability, reliability, and local priorities.

From rising energy costs to land use conflicts and the expanding role of data centers, this episode sets the stage for a deeper look at one of the most pressing policy areas facing counties today.

New episodes of our limited series, The Briefing Room, drop on Tuesdays.

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