Eastern Shore delegation argues legislation would ‘devastate’ farming industry
Eastern Shore lawmakers have formally asked Gov. Wes Moore to veto a bill that would let the state override local zoning laws to approve solar energy projects.
The legislation, which would take effect July 1, gives the state’s Public Service Commission the final say, not municipalities or county governments, on the potential size and scope of large-scale solar farms in rural areas.
“If you do not take action to halt this legislation, we are going to have a destructive proliferation of solar projects on prime agricultural land,” Del. Chris Adams writes in the April 18 letter, signed on behalf of the General Assembly’s Eastern Shore delegation. The bloc includes four state senators and 12 delegates, including Adams.
“This a massive taking of land we depend upon for our livelihood as a region,” the letter concludes. “If this legislation is enacted, it will cause permanent devastation to our region’s industry, which is Agriculture.”
Lawmakers said the bill sets “unreasonable” requirements for solar power – like how local jurisdictions aren’t allowed to set their own laws or policies to prevent the construction of solar farms. Counties also cannot deny site plans for solar projects if developers meet all applicable requirements.
According to a state legislative analysis, the bill also says local jurisdictions must process site plan applications as a “permitted use” if the plans call for solar fields generating up to 5 megawatts of electricity.
Taking of land is right up Commie Moore’s alley!