During her weekly public information briefing, Executive Jan Gardner expressed her continued support for solar energy projects as a source of renewable energy. Due to some issues regarding large agricultural solar farms that remain to be addressed through the County Council’s legislative process, she extended an Executive Order issued in January by placing an additional six month temporary hold on the consideration of certain solar applications.
However, when the council moves forward with legislation, she will rescind the Executive Order. The temporary hold addresses new applications for large solar projects that are seeking a special exception or site plan approval. It does not affect municipal, county government and residential projects.
“I continue to believe that solar power is a plentiful, clean source of energy,” said Executive Gardner. “I appreciate the public input I have received and the hard work by staff to address concerns that have been raised, especially by our agricultural community. But, at this point the final decision is out of my hands. Out of respect for the County Council, I have issued this temporary hold on new applications for large solar projects until they reach a consensus and make a final decision.”