Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Stations - Eminent Domain

SB 640 prohibits solar energy companies from using the government power to seize private land (eminent domain) when building new solar energy stations. It directly affects developers of solar projects over 2 megawatts, requiring them to negotiate land use instead of seeking court-ordered property takings. The bill amends Maryland’s public utilities code by adding explicit language to sections 7-207.1(h), 7-207.2(e), and 7-208(k) to ban this practice for solar projects specifically. This change takes effect October 1, 2025, applying only to solar energy stations and not other types of power generation.