Maryland landowners speak out against controversial transmission line project, access to properties

Maryland's Public Service Commission (PSC) heard on Tuesday from landowners and lawyers who are fighting the controversial Piedmont Reliability Project, which aims to build nearly 70 miles of power lines through three Maryland counties.

The PSC held a virtual pre‑hearing to set a schedule for reviewing the certificate of public convenience and necessity that New Jersey-based developer PSEG Renewable Transmission needs to place the overhead powerlines through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties.

"Knowing a full procedural schedule and how the commission will evaluate, not only our application, but sort of the testimonies and exhibits that are presented by the interveners," a PSEG representative said.

Residents push back against developer's access to properties

In April, PSEG submitted a court filing requesting that residents in multiple Maryland counties allow surveyors onto their land.

The judge's ruling will determine if and how PSEG is able to move forward with the project, as the company must complete surveying before proceeding with construction.

PSEG's Temporary Right to Entry filing asks the court to allow the surveying of 91 properties for the project.

The developer argues that without surveys, its application cannot move forward. Landowners disagree, saying the court has yet to decide on their eminent domain rights.

"It's going to start at the top of my hill, take out that forest there, which is an old-growth oak forest," opponent Brandon Hill said. "It's going to cut across my field here, render this whole field here not usable."

"For a project that really doesn't help the grid, that really impacts their properties without great benefit to Maryland," said attorney Susan Euteneuer.

Both sides await a court decision on survey access in all three counties, which is expected sometime this summer. Formal hearing dates for public input have yet to be announced.

What is the Piedmont Reliability Project? 

New Jersey-based developer PSEG Renewable Transmission said the Piedmont Reliability Project would help Maryland keep up with its growing need for power generated within the state. 

The project would construct 500,000-volt overhead power lines that would connect to an existing transmission line in parts of Maryland. 

According to PSEG, Maryland will face an increased energy deficit and power grid congestion if capacity does not increase. 

Residents oppose the transmission line project 

Residents who are in the path of the proposed project have expressed concerns about potential negative environmental impacts and how the transmission lines may impede personal property.

Some residents said the power lines, if built, would cut through family-owned farms.

A faith-based youth camp and outdoor education center in Carroll County said the project would jeopardize the camp experience that they provide to guests, since the transmission line would go through their property.

Hereford resident Janet Stratton said her farm, which has been passed down for six generations, is in the path of the proposed transmission line. 

"I realized my childhood dream 30 years ago," Stratton said. "To have it taken away would be devastating."

When it comes to environmental concerns, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) said the project poses risks to the bay's habitat and water quality.

The CBF found that the project has the potential to damage protected forests, nutrient-rich wetlands, and sources of clean water.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has also spoken out, saying he has concerns about the project.