Maryland’s rural communities and local governments are facing an unprecedented challenge. The recently enacted Renewable Energy Certainty Act (HB1036/SB0931) has stripped counties of their fundamental right to enforce local land use ordinances for solar energy facilities and battery storage systems.
Maryland’s rural communities and local governments are facing an unprecedented challenge. The recently enacted Renewable Energy Certainty Act (HB1036/SB0931) has stripped counties of their fundamental right to enforce local land use ordinances for solar energy facilities and battery storage systems.
Maryland’s rural communities and local governments are facing an unprecedented challenge. The recently enacted Renewable Energy Certainty Act (HB1036/SB0931) has stripped counties of their fundamental right to enforce local land use ordinances for solar energy facilities and battery storage systems.
This sweeping legislation overrides protections for Priority Preservation Areas—lands specifically designated to protect Maryland’s most productive farmland—and imposes a top-down approach that ignores local needs and community input. The result undermines agricultural preservation, weakens local government authority, and fails to address the real causes of rising energy costs.
The Farmer’s Alliance for Rural Maryland (FARM) has launched a critical referendum campaign to give Maryland voters the chance to decide whether this law should remain in effect. This grassroots effort faces a tight deadline: FARM must collect at least 20,000 valid signatures by June 1st.
Senator McKay believes strongly in local control, supporting rural communities, and protecting Maryland’s agricultural heritage. He encourages constituents to help ensure this important referendum reaches the ballot.
Every Marylander deserves a voice in how our land is used and governed. Time is running short—let’s work together to protect local control and rural Maryland.
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