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Harford County Council votes unanimously to oppose Chrome Hill Solar application to PSC after sustained community testimony
Summary
Following months of community concern and a community advisory board briefing, the council approved a unanimous letter opposing the Chrome Hill Solar LLC application to the Maryland Public Service Commission and heard residents ask for legal steps, tax changes and coordinated county action.
The Harford County Council voted unanimously to approve a letter of opposition to the Public Service Commission application by Chrome Hill Solar LLC, following testimony from residents who described potential view‑shed impacts, water and environmental concerns and the loss of agricultural land.
Councilmember Imhoff summarized recent briefings from community advisory boards and cited concerns raised by local fire chiefs and residents about safety and environmental review. "These presentations gave information...that really kind of highlight that our county is not...prepared to handle" the proposed projects, Imhoff said.
Residents asked the council to coordinate a multi‑county or countywide response, consider tax‑code changes that would remove industrial tax advantages for large arrays on agricultural land, and to pursue legal measures that could delay construction while challenges proceed. John Varvaris, a local organizer, urged the council to strengthen the opposition letter with targeted references to the PSC application deficiencies and to engage county attorneys and outside counsel if needed.
The council also noted ongoing work on related planning matters — including data center siting and battery storage concerns — and approved the letter and a coordinated response with the county executive's office.
