MD SB683

Counties may credit solar energy generating stations approved after January 1, 2027, and located on brownfields, school rooftops or fields, or other underutilized land toward the 5% acreage limitation for solar development in priority preservation areas

Solar energy generating stations in priority preservation areas established before January 1, 2025, are limited to 5% of the total acreage of each preservation area

Once the 5% limitation is reached in a priority preservation area, local jurisdictions may prohibit or deny additional solar projects in the remaining 95% of that area

Counties must report to the Public Service Commission when the 5% limitation has been achieved for a priority preservation area

Effective date: October 1, 2026