Land & Liberty Coalition Launches in Maryland

Grassroots organization seeks to empower Maryland landowners, protect property rights and promote rural economic growth

January 20, 2022 – ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Land & Liberty Coalition (L&LC),a project of the Conservative Energy Network (CEN), today announced the launch of its Maryland chapter. L&LC is a grassroots organization that partners with local citizens, landowners, clean energy advocates and policymakers to promote commonsense policies that advance renewable energy while protecting and benefiting local communities. By providing relevant information and helping citizens organize as effective advocates, L&LC empowers individuals and communities to take control of their energy future.

“We hope to advance energy policies that make way for clean energy while respecting the unique qualities of each development locale,” said Jackson Keith, Land & Liberty Coalition director. “It’s important that Marylanders who live and work in rural areas have a seat at the table when their local government – and leaders in Annapolis – are making decisions that will affect their energy future. We want to make sure their voices are heard.”

CEN recognized the need for grassroots involvement in clean energy development and launched the L&LC in Michigan in 2018 with a mission to support local communities as they navigate the siting of utility-scale renewable energy projects. The program quickly grew to include chapters in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. By establishing a Maryland chapter, L&LC seeks to build on their past successes and expand their work to encompass a broader range of energy projects and environments.

“Maryland presents a terrific opportunity for market-based, competitive and sustainable clean energy projects,” said Brian Sailer,a consultant to the Maryland Land & Liberty Coalition chapter. “State and local businesses, governments and stakeholder groups are determined to execute on strategic investments in clean energy. Additionally, Governor Hogan’s Task Force on Renewable Energy Development and Siting offers a roadmap to rapidly expanding the state’s renewable energy generation capacity.”

“CEN polling shows that 83 percent of Americans are in favor of cutting regulations and red tape that slow the development of clean energy resources,” said Tyler Duvelius, CEN director of external affairs. “The Land & Liberty Coalition works with local governments to do just that. We want to see responsible ordinances put in place that protect the community, while making it possible for clean energy developments to thrive.”