Creating Climate Resilient Communities

Protecting Open Spaces and Farmlands by Allowing Solar Development Where it Works Best

What you need to know about the Renewable Energy Certainty Act

How the Renewable Energy Certainty Act Protects the Environment

This legislation encourages responsible solar energy development across Maryland, striking a vital balance between progress and preservation.

  • Protects 95% of our most cherished open space from solar development

  • Provides an economic benefit to farmers to keep their land in agricultural use

  • Guarantees a more responsible transition to clean, in-state renewable energy

  • Ensures solar development respects local communities and minimizes environmental impact

How the Renewable Energy Certainty Act Improves Solar Development

Priority Preservation Areas

With Renewable Energy Certainty Act:

State preemption capped at 5% per county, permanently safeguarding at least 95% of Priority Preservation Areas.

❌ Current Law:

State can preempt all county zoning ordinances without restriction.

Visual Impact & Siting

With Renewable Energy Certainty Act:

Requires mitigation near parks, scenic areas, historic sites. Mandates viewshed analysis (>2MW). Limits panel height.

❌ Current Law:

No requirements to mitigate visual impacts near sensitive areas.

Local Control

With Renewable Energy Certainty Act:

Strengthens local authority; Public Service Commission needs explicit local government approval for more lenient project specs.

❌ Current Law:

Local input allowed, but state preemption is easily applied.

Responsible Construction

With Renewable Energy Certainty Act:

Minimizes grading, prohibits topsoil removal, requires native vegetation, limits herbicides, mandates landscaping bonds.

❌ Current Law:

No state rules protecting topsoil or ensuring soil integrity.

Community & Environment Buffers

With Renewable Energy Certainty Act:

Mandates 150ft buffer (homes), 100ft (property lines). Requires visual screening with native plants.

❌ Current Law:

No state-mandated setbacks or buffers from homes/property lines.

Safety & Decommissioning

With Renewable Energy Certainty Act:

Requires notice to county emergency services for each project and mandates a clear decommissioning plan.

❌ Current Law:

No state mandate for emergency response coordination or decommissioning plans.