Learn about our changing energy landscape and the land use preemption challenges facing local governments at the 2016 MACo Winter Conference.
The New Wild, Wild West? Energy and Open Space
Description
For decades, Maryland has preempted local land use and environmental requirements for the siting of large baseline powerplants. These facilities are critical to the energy grid and were somewhat limited in their locations due to infrastructure and siting requirements. However, a new generation of energy facilities (such as solar, wind, gasification, or small incinerators) can be placed almost anywhere – with little or no additional infrastructure. Out of concern for the impact of these new types of facilities on agriculture and open space, MACo has proposed removing the preemption for these kinds of “dispersed” facilities as part of its 2017 Legislative Initiatives. Panelists will provide an overview of the issue, county concerns, and stakeholder perspectives.
Speakers
- Adam Stratton, MREM, Project Origination Manager, Algonquin Power
- Andrew Gohn, Eastern Region Director, Government & Public Affairs
- Amy Moredock, Director of Planning, Housing, and Zoning, Kent County
- Susan Gray, Power Plant Research Program Manager, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Date & Time: Thursday, December 8, 2016; 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
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