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CENTREVILLE — A proposal to build nearly 10 megawatts of solar generation on more than 74 acres inside Centreville’s designated growth area has drawn opposition from Queen Anne’s County officials and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, who argue the project could undermine years of planning intended to reserve the site for future economic development.

On May 26, the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners unanimously approved a petition to intervene before the Maryland Public Service Commission regarding an application to construct three co-located solar photovoltaic generating facilities totaling 9.98 megawatts.

The proposed project would occupy more than 74 acres of an 87.3-acre parcel at the intersection of U.S. Routes 301 and 304, west of the highway near Little Farm Lane. The property lies within the Queen Anne’s County Growth Area and the Town of Centreville’s Tier II Growth Area and has long been identified as part of a planned Technology Enterprise District intended to attract commercial investment and employment.

In a statement opposing the project, the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy said the proposal would convert approximately 75 acres planned for future economic development into a solar installation expected to generate only a handful of jobs. The organization argued the project could consume land designated for future offices, medical facilities and other growth-related development while potentially encouraging sprawl elsewhere as the town expands.

The conservancy said it supports a balanced approach to solar siting that protects farmland, respects local planning efforts and directs large-scale energy infrastructure to appropriate locations.

Planning and Zoning Director Amy Moredock recommended county intervention, describing the application as an attempt to circumvent standards established in Maryland law and Queen Anne’s County zoning regulations.

According to Moredock, the project combines three co-located community solar facilities that together “basically constitute a major utility-scale project.�

She noted that after passage of the Renewable Energy Certainty Act, Senate Bill 931 and House Bill 1036, in 2025, the county updated its solar regulations to align with state standards governing solar siting and design. The legislation also changed factors the Public Service Commission must consider before approving solar projects through a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.

Under those standards, utility-scale solar projects face stricter requirements than community solar facilities.

Moredock said county officials successfully advocated during negotiations on the legislation for restrictions on major solar development within Centreville’s designated growth areas.

Since the county updated its code, most solar proposals have been community-scale projects rather than utility-scale facilities, she said.

With the commissioners’ support, Moredock urged the Public Service Commission to closely examine what she called a “pretty clear attempt to circumvent some of the key standards that were negotiated in very long and hard-fought battles during the previous legislative session.�

She warned that failing to challenge the application could establish a precedent for similar projects in the future.

The Town of Centreville is also considering intervening in the case.

In other business, commissioners approved a 12-month temporary moratorium on the application, approval and processing of data center proposals.

County Administrator Todd Mohn said data centers have become a major topic statewide because of their significant energy demands and large land requirements. He noted that at least six other Maryland jurisdictions are considering similar pauses on data center development.

Mohn said Queen Anne’s County currently lacks zoning definitions and standards specifically addressing data centers. The moratorium will allow county staff time to develop appropriate regulations and recommendations for future consideration by the commissioners.