Massachusetts AGO Disapproves Blandford's Moratorium on Solar and Battery Storage Systems
On March 11, 2026, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office rejected a proposed zoning moratorium on large-scale solar installations and battery energy storage in Blandford. The AGO ruled that the moratorium violated state law, specifically G.L. c. 40A, which prohibits local bylaws that unreasonably regulate solar energy systems. The Town's justification for the moratorium was deemed insufficient as it lacked necessary public health, safety, or welfare justifications.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI Assisted
The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office (AGO) disapproved Blandford's proposed temporary zoning moratorium on large-scale solar and battery energy storage systems on March 11, 2026. This decision continues a trend of AGO rejections of municipal bylaws conflicting with state law regarding solar facilities.
The Town's proposal aimed to prohibit such uses until May 31, 2026, citing high demand and several projects in progress. However, the AGO found the moratorium violated G.L. c. 40A, Section 3, which protects solar energy systems, as the Town failed to provide necessary justifications for the prohibition. The ruling emphasized the long-standing protection of solar facilities under state law.
Comments