The following is an update from the desks of Delegates Kathy Szeliga and Ryan Nawrocki.
As your delegates for eastern Baltimore County, our top priority is to listen to you, stand up for you, and make sure your voices shape the decisions that affect our communities. Right now, we’re in the thick of a battle over the plan to run 37 miles of new high-voltage power lines across Harford, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel Counties because of the potential closure of the Brandon Shores and Wagner power plants. This isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about protecting our homes, our property values, and the rural character of places like Kingsville and White Marsh that we represent. We’ve heard from constituents, and we agree that this is not good for Baltimore County. The potential impact on our property values is a major concern. We’re with you, and we’re not backing down.
The issue stems from the potential closure of the Brandon Shores and Wagner power plants in Anne Arundel County. For years, these facilities have powered homes across Maryland, but their potential shutdown, driven by a radical environmental agenda, will leave a massive gap in our energy grid. PJM Interconnection, which manages electricity for 65 million people across 13 states, says we need new transmission lines to avoid blackouts and rolling brownouts. The proposal is a 37-mile extension cord that would cut through our district, with towering structures looming over neighborhoods and farmland. We’ve heard from so many of you who are outraged, and we are too.
We attended the Greater Kingsville Civic Association meeting, where a packed room of you voiced your concerns. Residents asked many questions: Why us? What happens to our property values? How will this disrupt our lives and our environment? We share your unease. Big utility projects like this often come with polished presentations, but too often, they leave communities like ours holding the bag.
That’s why we’re calling on all of you to join us in pushing back. The proposal is under review by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), and they’re holding a public hearing on Wednesday, April 23rd, at 6:30 PM at the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company located at 10331 Philadelphia Road, White Marsh, MD 21162. This is your chance to hear straight from BGE and other stakeholders—and, more importantly, to make your voice heard. Show up, speak out, and let them know we won’t accept a plan that sacrifices our district for a problem we didn’t create. Can’t make it? You can still weigh in by submitting written comments to the PSC by May 1st. Include the case number (9748) and send your thoughts to Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, 6 Saint Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202-6806, or upload a PDF online here. Every comment counts, and we’re urging you to demand answers and alternatives.
The Brandon Shores and Wagner power plant closures raise bigger questions about Maryland’s energy future, and as members of the Maryland Freedom Caucus, we’ve been clear about our stance. We believe shutting down reliable, cost-effective power plants threatens energy security and drives up our electric bills. The push is on to keep reliable plants like this running, repeal Green New Deal mandates that burden ratepayers, and halt the rush to close facilities that keep our grid stable. We’re not against energy alternatives, but we can’t support a rushed transition that leaves our grid vulnerable and our neighborhoods in the crosshairs of massive power line projects.
Together, we can stop these massive new power lines from tearing through our backyards, state parks, and farms. Join us on April 23rd, send your comments by May 1st, and let’s make sure our voices are too loud to ignore.
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