Nearly half of all Americans cannot enjoy the benefits of renewable solar energy. In order to give more residents access to clean energy, Maryland launched the Community Solar Pilot Program—a new way for Baltimore County residents to gain access to solar energy without a solar roof. Community Solar projects not only avoid air pollution, they give county residents the opportunity to save money on their electric bills.

In spite of these benefits, Baltimore County is considering a moratorium (Bill 102-18) that would prevent county residents from benefiting from locally-produced clean energy.

Local community solar projects would keep more than 196,000 metric tons of air pollution out of our air and would give farmers who host these projects a sorely-needed source of stable revenue. A prolonged moratorium means no community solar projects will be built in Baltimore County for the foreseeable future and threatens local landowners' rights to add a new revenue source to their land. Additionally, the proposed moratorium would halt solar projects the County has already deemed viable and approved under current law enacted with bipartisan support.

We urge Baltimore County to continue its support of Community Solar and reject this harmful moratorium. Doing so provides local residents access to regionally-produced solar energy, save money and help protect our shared world for future generations.

Chesapeake Climate Action Network says community solar, "wouldn’t just be a victory for cleaner air and water. It would mean more economic investment…and a chance for many residents to see real savings on their electric bills."

By signing the petition below, you’re telling the Baltimore County Council to move forward with Community Solar projects immediately and are showing your support for local residents, farmers and the Chesapeake Bay.