Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 358

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

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Middleton, et al

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: EHE

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 passed the Senate; however, it received an unfavorable report by the House Enivronmental 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 is consistent with the Maryland Chamber's business agenda, and would 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:

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

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