MARYLAND- Eastern Shore Lawmakers in Maryland are calling on Governor Wes Moore to veto a bill aimed at expanding solar energy.

The “Renewable Energy Certainty Act” would give the state authority to approve solar farms and energy storage if they meet specific conditions. Local leaders have expressed concerns that it could strip local governments of their power to approve or deny solar projects.

The Eastern Shore Delegation has penned a letter asking the governor to reject the bill. In the letter, lawmakers call the proposal an attack on farmland and the labor of Eastern Shore farmers.

The letter reads in part, “These families have lived on the Eastern Shore for generations and established their livelihoods on a humble industry that has fed our State well.” It went on to say, “If this legislation is enacted, it will cause permanent devastation to our region’s industry, which is Agriculture.”

The proposal has passed the Maryland General Assembly and is awaiting action from the governor.