The state of Maryland hoping to reach 14.5% of renewable energy state-wide by 2028

EASTERN SHORE, Md – The state of Maryland has a 14.5% goal of all energy to be sourced from solar development by 2028, but not everyone on Delmarva is happy about it.

The Maryland Association of Counties Executive Director Michael Sanderson said, while he understands their motives, the state is moving very ambitiously “They have been pretty aggressive, that suits the policymakers in Annapolis, we want Maryland to be leaders on this front and we want to advance toward clean energy.” Said Sanderson.

Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young thinks the state is taking the easy route. “The eastern shore is the easy button, because the land is cheaper, and ultimately affordable housing, conservation efforts, green spaces, and solar should be spread across all counties throughout the state.”

Solar developers find local counties to be more attractive for purchasable land, but Young, feels people in our local community wouldn’t get the most benefit. “I don’t want to speak for the entire shore, but there is a belief these moves are going to feed those across the bay.”

Low-lying flat lands with tons of agriculture will get the hardest with these solar projects, taking over much of the farmland.

Young wants local leaders to have more control, to help the community in the best way possible. “At the end of the day, counties want local autonomy, they want to be able to develop Worcester County, Somerset County, Wicomico County as those communities see fit.”