MHC Government Relations Committee Report, continued...
suming those metrics remain true today, the crop farmer would be able to use the remaining 90% of their land for environmentally sound uses of particular benefit to the horse industry, such as hay farming, or well- maintained grazing pasture. Tey could also use the remaining 90% of their land for other uses more environmentally sound than crops, such as organic farming, carbon sequestration, riparian buffers, and pollinator- friendly meadow habitats.
Solar-Grazing and Agrivoltaics More recently, the Governor’s Task Force reported that “agrivoltaics,”
which it defines as “the co-development of the same area of land for solar power and agriculture,” could provide “solar-grazing” opportunities for livestock farmers in Maryland. Te Task Force noted that “several kinds of farm animals have been used for grazing in solar arrays, includ- ing chickens, sheep, and cows underneath elevated panels,” and that the “benefits of grazing on solar lands include the use of manure to enrich the soil and reduced vegetation management costs.” Horse farms could similarly benefit from solar-grazing, provided the arrays were mounted sufficiently far above ground. Tey would also provide shade during our brutal Maryland summers. According to the Governor’s Task Force, several states already permit solar-grazing stating, “Massachusetts has developed financial incentives for farmers who put land into dual-use with solar arrays.” Te Task Force recommends that Maryland: · Study the benefits of solar-grazing in other states; · Obtain further information on the tax incentives provided by Mas- sachusetts for agrivoltaics; · Develop an agrivoltaics pilot program in Maryland. Tis data supports an emerging view that agriculture and solar arrays
are not at odds, and that solar arrays can benefit the health of agricultural land; provide additional revenue to farmers; and by reducing the acreage needed for crop farming, create more space for riding trails and for horse farms on agricultural land.
Who Makes the Call? More than one regulatory agency has authority over solar farms. Te
State has exclusive authority over solar installations that generate more than 3,000 MW, and it vests that authority in the Public Services Com- mission, DNR, and assorted other agencies. DNR’s role is to review site installation applications to make sure the State is meeting its energy needs in a manner that “protects the state’s valuable natural resources.” Individual counties have zoning authority over solar arrays that gen-
erate less than 3,000 MW. Each county has its own rules, which can change frequently and which are often the subject of spirited public debate. Tere have been at least three county-level zoning changes on solar farming this year.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY: On February 23, 2021, the Montgom- ery County Council enacted a zoning amendment to increase the size of solar arrays permitted on a small percentage of land in the Agricultural Reserve and to require agrivoltaics, such as solar grazing.
HOWARD COUNTY: On May 6, 2021, Howard County enacted a zoning amendment that limits the size of commercial solar installations on agricultural preservation properties and that requires agrivoltaics, such as solar grazing, on agricultural preservation land.
CARROLL COUNTY: On May 14, 2021, the Carroll County Com- missioners enacted a zoning amendment that permits solar farming on certain parcels in its Agricultural Zoning District and that requires agri- voltaics, such as solar grazing.
* * * * *
Te MHC Government Relations Committee monitors solar farming legislation across the State. We will continue to bring you updates on how solar farming impacts the Maryland horse industry, either positively or negatively, as well as information about resources on how to use solar farming to the benefit of your horse business.
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