Senate Bill 931 pushes solar energy initiatives on farmland; leaving farmers concerned and lawmakers upset

MARYLAND. — Senate Bill 931, which took effect July 1st, aims to support and regulate renewable energy — specifically solar power. The bill is expected to impact farmers, and local leaders on the Eastern Shore are expressing concern.

Delegate Wayne Hartman believes the Eastern Shore is a prime target for solar companies.

“Unfortunately, the two counties I represent — Wicomico and Worcester — have the highest allotment of solar, taking away from agriculture,” Hartman said.

The new law prohibits local governments from establishing zoning rules related to solar development. Proponents say solar energy can reduce electricity costs, is environmentally friendly, and may increase property values.

Hartman said thousands of acres could be affected.

“Worcester County is close to 10,000 acres that could be consumed by solar, and in Wicomico, it’s over 9,000,” he said. “What this does is take away local control, which is the most frustrating for me.”

The decision has baffled some lawmakers and farmers. Worcester County Farm Bureau Vice President John Bruning said many farmers are already struggling to make ends meet.

“Farmers cannot compete with the money per acre that these big solar companies are paying, and it’ll be a net loss of farmland,” Bruning said.

He is not alone. Wicomico County farmer Steve Hurley said the bill overlooks agriculture.

“These solar projects are going to be constructed on all these farm fields, using up available farmland that could be used to make a living,” Hurley said. “And we don’t have an exit plan for what to do with the panels when they age out.”