Amid the controversial Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, Gov. Wes Moore said he has reservations about the proposed 70-mile transmission line that’s sparked outrage from community members moving forward.
The MPRP would cut through Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick counties. Several town halls have been held, most recently last week after the route was announced by PSEG — the Public Service Enterprise Group, which is the energy company behind the MPRP.
After releasing a statement last week about his “concerns about how the study area for this project was determined, the lack of community involvement in the planning process, and the lack of effective communication about the impacts of this project,” Gov. Moore went further when asked Monday.
“Unless there’s adjustments, I don’t see a plan moving forward,” Gov. Moore said when asked by FOX45 News about what’s next for the plan. “I don’t understand how the study area was pulled together without the level of both state and community involvement that was necessary.”
Gov. Moore said he’s planning to meet with PSEG and PJM — the regional grid operator — in the coming weeks to hear more about the plan. Supporters of the transmission line have long said Maryland’s energy needs require additional supply.
PSEG has repeatedly emphasized that the MPRP is based on the state’s reliance on importing power from other states. During its presentation, the grid developer stated that the state currently imports nearly 40% of its power, with expectations the figure could rise by as much as 30% in the next five years.
“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,” Gov. Moore said.
“I know there’s nothing in front of the state right now, but I do want to be very clear: Unless there’s a real process change, I don’t see how it moves forward,” Gov. Moore said Monday.
PSEG officials said the proposed route, which begins in Northern Baltimore County and will connect into the existing Doubs 500kV Station in southern Frederick County, was selected based on many criteria. While PSEG officials acknowledge no route was perfect, they said the route that was selected impacted fewer conservation easements and had fewer residences and community facilities in close proximity to the right of way. Officials also said it was slightly shorter and had fewer turns, which reduced the cost and complexity of the project.
PSEG Project Manager Dawn Shilkoski said within the 150-foot right of way where the transmission line could go, there are approximately 384 properties. There are 226 properties within 200 feet on each side of the right of way that could also be impacted.
The project has yet to be submitted to the Maryland Public Service Commission. The PSC has the authority to approve the project. PSEG has previously stated that it plans to submit a proposal to the PSC by the end of the year.
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