During the Caroline County Commissioners Meeting on June 10, 2025, community engagement and local governance were at the forefront of discussions, particularly concerning a recent petition drive and the implications of solar energy projects in the area.

Jay Falstegg, representing the Queen Anne's Conservation Association, addressed the commissioners, highlighting the strong community spirit he observed while gathering signatures for a petition. Despite the effort, Falstegg reported that the petition fell short of the required number of signatures due to a last-minute change in the deadline set by the Board of Elections. Initially informed that the deadline would be June 2, the group was surprised to learn just before the deadline that it had been moved to May 31. This unexpected change forced petitioners into a frantic push to collect signatures, ultimately resulting in just under 20,000 signatures, with significant support from Caroline County.

Falstegg emphasized the impressive nature of the community's involvement, noting that Caroline County ranked third in total signatures collected across all 23 counties. He expressed confidence that, under the original timeline, the petition would have succeeded.

In addition to the petition discussion, Falstegg raised concerns about a proposed community solar project in Federalsburg. He urged the commissioners to consider the implications of Senate Bill 931, which he argued could allow solar companies to bypass local governance. He referenced a specific court case, urging the commissioners to review a footnote that emphasizes the importance of comprehensive plans in decision-making by the Public Service Commission. This could provide counties with the authority to reject certain solar projects that do not align with local plans.

Falstegg also warned about the contracts being offered by solar companies to landowners, describing them as potentially harmful agreements that could strip landowners of negotiating power. He commended Caroline County for issuing warnings to residents about these contracts and encouraged continued outreach to ensure that citizens are informed about the risks involved.

The meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in local governance and the need for vigilance regarding new developments that could impact residents' rights and local landscapes. As the county navigates these challenges, the commissioners will need to consider the implications of both community petitions and the growing presence of solar energy projects in their planning and decision-making processes.