Counties Outline Concerns Over Proposed 500,000-Volt Transmission Line

The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) has triggered growing alarm among residents, community organizations, and local businesses, who fear the environmental, economic, and social disruptions the project could bring to their neighborhoods.

As previously reported on Conduit Street, the project involves constructing a 500,000-volt transmission line stretching approximately 70 miles through northern Baltimore County and Carroll County to an existing station in southern Frederick County.

PJM, the regional transmission organization overseeing wholesale electricity in parts of 13 states, including Maryland, determined that system reinforcements and a new overhead transmission line in Maryland’s Piedmont Plateau region are necessary to address significant system overloads. Accordingly, the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) proposed the MPRP.

Counties Raise Significant Concerns

Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Frederick County recently outlined significant concerns over the project, emphasizing greater transparency, community involvement, and a thorough exploration of less disruptive alternatives.

County leaders are raising alarms about potential damage to local ecosystems, property devaluation, and the displacement of residents and businesses. Furthermore, they are concerned about the impact on agricultural lands and disruptions to historic sites and open spaces.

Baltimore County: A Call for Comprehensive Justification and Alternatives

In a letter to PSEG, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski outlined several concerns:

  • Opposition to Eminent Domain: Baltimore County firmly opposes using eminent domain for the project, highlighting the potential displacement of residents and businesses and stressing the harm this could inflict on the County’s agricultural community and local economy.
  • Push for Alternative Routes: County Executive Olszewski urged PSEG to prioritize using existing rights-of-way and explore alternative routes to minimize disruptions. He emphasized the importance of protecting Baltimore County’s historic sites and agricultural lands.
  • Need for Detailed Justification: The letter called for a more comprehensive justification for the new transmission line, including detailed load forecasts and assessing its vitality. County Executive Olszewski also requested an evaluation of the viability of underground transmission lines as a less disruptive alternative.
  • Further Community Engagement: County Executive Olszewski requested that PSEG engage in additional dialogue with the community, including presenting modified alternatives based on initial feedback. Olszewski emphasized the need for residents and businesses to have a voice in decision-making.

Frederick County: Advocating for Public Involvement and Transparency

Frederick County has also raised substantial concerns about the MPRP, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and transparent processes. In a letter dated August 8, 2024, County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and the entire Frederick County Council expressed the following concerns:

  • Lack of Public Engagement: Frederick County officials called for additional public meetings and broader notification efforts, stressing the importance of engaging residents who the proposed transmission lines would directly impact.
  • Preservation of Open Spaces and Historic Sites: The County strongly opposed any routes that would disrupt historic sites or open spaces, noting that these areas are vital to the community’s quality of life.
  • Opposition to Eminent Domain: Like Baltimore County, Frederick County vehemently opposed using eminent domain, citing concerns about displacing local businesses and disrupting the agricultural sector.
  • Call for Transparency: Frederick County requested more information from PSEG about the need for the new transmission lines and urged the company to engage more meaningfully with the community before moving forward.

Carroll County: Pushing to Halt the Project

Carroll County is calling to halt the MPRP as currently proposed. The County’s concerns align closely with those of Baltimore and Frederick Counties, focusing on the potential for significant disruption to local communities and environments. “Our priority is to mitigate any adverse impact this plan could have on the county’s citizens, community, and land,” said Commissioner Kenneth Kiler, Board President.

A United Front for Responsible Development

Baltimore, Frederick, and Carroll Counties are not opposed to improving the regional electrical grid. Still, they insist it does not come at the expense of their communities. They demand a careful and thorough examination of all alternatives, meaningful public engagement, and transparency throughout the process.

The PSC oversees utility projects within the state, while the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) handles interstate electricity transmission. Currently, neither agency has detailed information on the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project or PSEG’s plans, as PSEG has yet to submit a permit application for the necessary certificate of public conveyance and necessity (CPCN).

The PSC created an email account where residents can submit their comments and concerns regarding the project. If the company applies for a permit to build its project, the comments will be part of the public record.

PSEG is considering routing alternatives to refine a viable route that considers and minimizes potential impacts on the built and natural environment. These alternatives are on the MPRP website as an interactive map.

The final route of the transmission line is subject to the PSC’s CPCN process. The project is also subject to other federal, state, and local environmental and land use permitting requirements.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.