06/04/2026
The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners voted during their May 26, 2026 meeting to file a Petition to Intervene in Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding a proposed solar energy project located near Centreville.
The application before the PSC involves three co-located solar photovoltaic generating facilities. Collectively, the facilities would generate up to 9.98 megawatts of electricity and would be located on approximately 74 acres of an 87.3-acre property near the intersection of U.S. Route 301 and MD Route 304. The site is located within both the growth area for both Queen Anne’s County and Town of Centreville.
The County’s decision to intervene follows recommendations from the Department of Planning and Zoning, which raised concerns that the proposal, while submitted as three separate facilities, functions as a single larger project and may be inconsistent with the intent of state and local regulations governing the placement of large-scale solar facilities within designated growth areas.
“This project runs completely counter to preserving our beautiful agricultural landscape. Consuming quality farmland and prime Type A soil for an industrial footprint makes no sense along this intersection of highway, especially when it places an undue strain on Centreville’s vital infrastructure,” said County Commissioner Patrick McLaughlin
Under Maryland law and Queen Anne’s County Code, solar energy generating stations with a generating capacity greater than five megawatts are generally prohibited within Tier I and Tier II mapped growth areas. County officials have expressed concern that dividing the project into three separate applications may circumvent those standards despite the facilities being co-located on a single property.
The Town of Centreville also submitted comments to the PSC supporting the County’s position. Town officials noted that Tier II growth areas are intended to accommodate future growth and infrastructure planning and expressed concern that large-scale solar development in these areas could conflict with long-term planning objectives.
By intervening in the case, Queen Anne’s County will have the opportunity to actively participate in the PSC review process and advocate for the County’s interests, planning goals, and application of local land use regulations. The petition allows the County to submit briefs and provide additional information as the case moves forward.
You can watch the most recent County Commissioner meeting here https://www.youtube.com/live/I8cOv6N1u9A?si=JLhdHbgC3IoPWOlS.
