April 21st, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Allegany County Commissioners say they are not in favor of solar panels planned for a farm along historic Helmstetter’s Curve, but have lost decision making to the state. In 2019, local authorities lost power over solar farm approvals, according to County Administrator Jason Bennett…

   

“The state of Maryland has taken over the authority process on this project and they are the approving authority now where it used to be the locals.  And it is all so it meets their green objective so that they can place solar and wind wherever they choose by taking the locals out of the equation.”

Bennett says the county has some control over code enforcement and citizens can also comment on the project with state officials…

   

“They do have to comply with our building code, so we will certainly make sure they do that.  We also have a chance to comment to the Maryland public service commission about the difficulties it may cause.  So, we’ll be sure to do those things, and we have heard the citizens loud and clear from that area.  They don’t really want it there.”