Senator Jason Gallion

Agriculture is the heart of Cecil County, and protecting our farming communities matters now more than ever.

That’s why Senator Jason Gallion is proud to support Al Miller for re-election to Cecil County Council.

“I proudly support Al Miller for re-election to the Cecil County Council because he understands the importance of protecting agriculture and preserving the rural character of our community. Al has consistently stood with our farmers and agricultural families, recognizing that farming is the backbone of Cecil County’s economy and heritage. His leadership supports responsible growth while ensuring future generations can continue our county’s agricultural traditions.” – Senator Jason Gallion

Join Senator Gallion in supporting Al Miller for District 3 Councilman on Election Day June 23, 2026!

SB 683

I am in full support of SB 683!

What SB 683 Is About…

• Primary goal: Encourage responsible solar development while helping protect productive agricultural land, especially within Maryland’s Priority Preservation Areas — zones that are set aside to safeguard farmland and open space.
• It’s framed to balance solar energy expansion with farmland preservation by shaping where large solar projects can be counted toward statewide limits.

Key Provisions

1. Credit Toward Solar Limits:
   Counties can credit solar energy generating stations located on non-agricultural or underutilized sites — like brownfields, school rooftops/fields, or other unused land — toward the 5 % acreage cap on solar installations in Priority Preservation Areas.
2. Protecting Priority Preservation Areas:
   — Maryland currently limits the total land in these preservation areas that may be used for solar to 5 % of the area.
   — SB 683 allows counties to count solar on less sensitive land toward this limit, so developers aren’t pushed to put panels on productive farmland just to meet renewable goals.
3. Encouraging Smart Siting:
   The bill aims to avoid siting large solar projects directly on prime agricultural soils by incentivizing alternative locations that don’t compete with active farmland.

Broader Context

• The legislation is part of a larger policy debate about how Maryland meets its clean energy and climate goals without sacrificing farmland, rural character, and local land-use planning.
• Farming groups and rural advocates have been pushing for policies that keep industrial solar off high-quality soils and preserved land — SB 683 is one of the state’s responses to that concern.

Status

Introduced in early February 2026 and referred to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee for hearings.

Voted Favorite Councilman Cecil Whig 2025 Reader Approved

Congratulations to Al Miller on being voted the Cecil Whig 2025 Reader Approved Favorite Councilman! 🎉

This recognition speaks volumes about the trust, dedication, and commitment he continues to show our community. It’s clear his hard work does not go unnoticed. Well deserved, Al… thank you for your leadership and service!