Council introduces temporary moratorium on certain solar approvals and requests report on state preemption

The clerk read Council Bill 59‑2026, introduced by Council Member David Youngman, proposing a temporary prohibition on issuance of certain approvals or building permits for solar energy facilities while the county holds a public meeting with agencies and prepares a report on the implications of state House Bill 1036. The reading framed the ordinance as seeking clarity on what authority is preempted by state law and what local requirements the county may lawfully adopt.

The bill text read aloud directed staff to convene a public meeting with relevant agencies and deliver a report to the County Council and the County Executive explaining where county authority is preempted and where it is preserved; the measure was introduced and no vote was taken during the session. "Council bill 59 20 26 introduced by David Youngman, enact temporarily prohibiting issuance of certain approvals of development plans or building permits for solar energy facilities... providing a report to the county council and the county executive explaining what county authority is preempted by House Bill 10 36," the clerk read.