Recent League Testimony

The League studies local issues and after reaching consensus with members on a position, we provide testimony to the County Council, County Executive, or regulatory agency. Below is our testimony on legislation the Council is considering and a proposal to the Maryland Public Service Commission.

Zoning Text Amendment 24-02, Agricultural and Rural Zones - Campground

LWVMC opposed ZTA 24-02, which would open the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve to overnight stays not related to agricultural activities, based on our support of policies that consider preservation of productive farmland to be a primary design consideration for development in the Reserve zone. Our testimony to Montgomery County Council argued that this zoning change could increase pressure for other non-agricultural uses of the reserve. LWVMC maintains that Montgomery County needs to develop a comprehensive agrotourism plan that takes preservation of farmland into account before allowing overnight tourism in the Reserve. Read our full statement here and watch the full council session here.

Proposed solar photovoltaic generating facility by Chaberton Solar (Case No. 9726)

LWVMC opposed a proposal for a solar photovoltaic generating facility to be built in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve based on our continued commitment to the integrity of the Reserve. We testified to the Maryland Public Service Commission that granting permission for this project, which would require doubling the megawatt limit on solar devices on the Reserve mandated by Montgomery County Law, would set a dangerous precedent that undermines local government authority. Additionally, we argued that the project would sacrifice irreplaceable agricultural land and open the door for further damaging development. Read our full statement here.

Check out our testimony to in our 2024-2025 Testimony and learn more about our LWVMC Public Policy Positions.