Howard County council debates temporary hold on some solar projects to clarify county authority

Councilman David Youngman introduced CB59, a bill that would temporarily pause acceptance or processing of certain solar collector facility applications while the Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) convenes state and county agencies to clarify what local authorities remain under the Renewable Energy Certainty Act (RECA). Youngman said the bill is "not intended to relitigate solar" but to "prevent a dozen projects from getting built out in the West without the county following the processes required in code." He asked DPZ to produce a report that identifies what the county can lawfully require and why it may be choosing not to exercise some authorities.

Supporters framed the measure as a limited effort to assemble agencies and lawyers to reconcile easement contracts, zoning code and RECA guidance. Youngman told colleagues the county has ‘‘not even asked’’ whether it can still require certain siting or screening measures under easement contracts and said the goal is a public, evidence-based determination rather than reopening the broader policy debate on solar. No formal motion or vote occurred during the work session; the council directed staff discussion and outreach as envisioned in the draft bill. The session closed with staff and the state senator agreeing to pursue a multi-agency conversation and a written DPZ report.