Governor Wes Moore has expressed concerns about the controversial Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), which involves a 70-mile transmission line running through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties. The project, which has sparked significant opposition from local communities, continues to face scrutiny as it moves forward.
The MPRP, proposed by PSEG (Public Service Enterprise Group), aims to address Maryland’s growing energy demands. The plan has been met with resistance, leading to several town hall meetings, including the most recent one held after PSEG unveiled the project’s route.
In a statement last week, Governor Moore voiced his concerns regarding the way the study area for the project was determined, highlighting the lack of community engagement and effective communication about the potential impacts. When asked about the project’s future on Monday, Governor Moore was firm in his stance. “Unless there are adjustments, I don’t see a plan moving forward,” he told FOX45 News. “I don’t understand how the study area was assembled without the necessary involvement of both the state and the community.”
The governor announced plans to meet with PSEG and PJM, the regional grid operator, in the coming weeks to further discuss the project. Proponents of the transmission line argue that Maryland’s energy future requires more capacity, as the state currently imports nearly 40% of its power, a figure expected to rise by 30% over the next five years.
PSEG officials have consistently defended the MPRP, emphasizing its importance in meeting Maryland’s growing energy needs. The company argues that the project is necessary due to the state’s reliance on imported power. They have also noted that the proposed route—beginning in northern Baltimore County and connecting to the existing Doubs 500kV Station in southern Frederick County—was selected based on several factors, including minimizing the impact on conservation easements and nearby properties. The route was chosen for its shorter length and fewer turns, which could reduce both cost and project complexity.
Despite these justifications, Governor Moore remains uncertain about the project’s benefits for Marylanders. “I don’t see how I’m still not certain what the benefit is to Marylanders, and I’m going to stand with the people on this,” he stated.
Currently, the project has not been submitted to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), which must approve the plan. PSEG has stated that it intends to submit its proposal to the PSC by the end of the year.
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