How we use our prime agricultural lands matters. Flat, sunny, well drained soils are at a premium. Despite a compromise allowing solar in the Ag Reserve on non-prime soils as a conditional use in 2021, 2 solar projects are now applying to the state to end run the County's protections for prime soils in the Ag Reserve. All while solar companies inflate land values, putting acreage further out of reach for the new, diverse crop of local farmers.

2 solar projects have applied directly to the MD Public Service Commission (PSC) for approval of their 4-5 mw facilities in the Reserve - on prime farm soils in contradiction to the County’s zoning provisions.

State Legislation has opened this path and concern mounts that conservation goals and laws will be compromised if the PSC allows projects to move forward regardless of how they might affect carefully crafted provisions for renewable projects.
Moreover, currently there is a backlog of projects on less than prime soils that have gone through the County's process - the grid operators are unable to take more power.

Back in 2021, MCA gathered with a broad coalition of 60+ local and state organizations and stakeholders to craft a balanced solar policy. 2 Community solar installations have reached the construction phase along with 50+ farms installing farm accessory solar (on barns, etc).

What has changed since 2021? Maryland has lost 12,000+ acres of farmland since 2017, the US has lost 20 Million acres in the same timeframe (Ag Census). Solar companies have gone from offering 10 times what farmers pay per acre to 20+ times. 60% of farmers in the Reserve lease land - including most all of the new generation of diverse producers looking to get started.

Our central argument is unchanged:

Panels should not be erected on prime farmland, defined as nearly level, with deep, well-drained soil capable of producing food without irrigation. These are class I and II soils in the USDA’s soil capability classification system.

We are asking county leaders to strongly defend our zoning and master plan at the PSC. Please click "start writing" to personalize a message to Planning, the Council and Executive. Thank you!

Much more background here.