The following is an op-ed piece from Councilman David Marks.

In Maryland, like everywhere throughout the country, local governments obtain their authority from the state government. This is known as Dillon’s Rule, and it means that the Maryland General Assembly can pass laws that preempt the counties. Sometimes it might be warranted, but at other times, it is legislative overreach.

We have a perfect example of the latter this year, with the Maryland General Assembly considering a bill that would largely remove a local government’s ability to regulate the placement of solar facilities. The Renewable Energy Certainty Act, or RECA, has been introduced as Senate Bill 931 and House Bill 1036.

Renewable energy is a laudable goal, and there are many homeowners and businesses that have voluntarily chosen to install solar panels. Several years ago, I supported legislation that aligned Baltimore County’s building code with other jurisdictions to allow for solar panels to be more installed on rooftops.

Unfortunately, the Renewable Energy Certainty Act smacks of heavy-handed overreach. Local governments, not the state Public Service Commission, should be central to the approval process.

Public safety should be the top priority for government, Unchecked energy storage projects should not put residents at risk. The wide use of utility-scale energy facilities raises serious public safety concerns. Local governments can best determine how to minimize fires, hazardous waste, and toxic fumes. Adequate oversight and fire suppression regulations are needed to ensure projects don’t endanger nearby homes, businesses, and schools.

Community input is also most meaningful at the local level. Residents deserve a seat at the table in shaping their communities’ future.

Renewable energy should also be a smart fit, not something forced onto our communities. Fast-tracked policies waste resources, strain infrastructure, and disrupt communities.

Baltimore County is dealing with a slew of solar project proposals, many of them on productive farmland. The Renewable Energy Certainty Act increases the likelihood we will have poorly-sited facilities that ignore the concerns of local citizens. Please contact your legislators, particularly those on the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee and House Economic Matters Committee, and urge a “no” vote. The Web Site is https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite.

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