Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 290

Bill Title: Agriculture - Agricultural Preservation Easements - Renewable Energy Generation

Bill Sponsor(s): Southern Maryland Delegation

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: ENV

Bill Summary: This bill would have authorized a landowner whose land is subject to an agricultural preservation easement to use the land for the generation of power or heat from solar or wind energy, and make it an emergency measure.

History: This bill received an UNF report the the Environmental Matters Committee.

Chamber Position: Support W/Amend

Position Summary: The Maryland Chamber supports sound policies for reliable, and competitively priced energy generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, including natural gas and renewable energy sources. This bill was consistent with the Maryland Chamber's business agenda, and would have provided a beneficial use of land that may otherwise not be used. The Chamber also recommended a friendly amendment to include natural gas.

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.