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Dorchester County leaders voice concern about proposed state renewable energy bill
Summary
Councilmembers raised objections to Maryland Senate Bill 931, saying it could preempt local solar rules, allow battery storage without added fire-safety measures, limit PILOT negotiations and exempt certain property tax assessments on solar installations.
During the council's Feb. 18 meeting, Councilman Mike Detmer and Council President George L. Pfeffer, Jr. expressed worries about Senate Bill 931 (referred to in the meeting as the "Renewable Energy Certainty Act"). Councilman Detmer said he is monitoring state-level mandates and how they could affect the county's recently enacted solar regulations.
President Pfeffer outlined specific concerns the council attributed to the draft legislation: that it could preempt Dorchester County's recently passed solar ordinance; permit battery storage installations without additional fire-safety requirements; remove or limit the county's ability to negotiate Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for renewable projects; and exempt certain solar equipment from real property taxes.
No formal county action was taken at the meeting on SB931; councilmembers said they will continue to review the legislation and its potential local impacts. Council members emphasized the county's interest in preserving local authority over siting, public-safety measures and local fiscal arrangements.
The remarks were delivered as part of council comments and do not represent a formal policy position beyond the expression of concern and intent to monitor the bill.
