Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project Resource Page

Latest News:

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project has not yet received a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). This certificate is required before any transmission line route is finalized. Until the PSC grants a certificate (CPCN), no landowner is obligated to meet or negotiate with Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) or any related parties. Please be aware that at this time there is no requirement for any landowner to sign any documents related to the MPRP.

In the meantime, it is critical that you continue to stay informed. You should make sure that your concerns or suggestions are being communicated to the PSC so that they have information they need to make a sound decision on any pending CPCN application for the MPRP. Share feedback with the PSC (piedmontcomments.psc@maryland.gov) directly, and feel free to contact us with any questions.

PSEG has chosen “Route H” as its preferred route for the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.

Maryland Farm Bureau remains opposed to the project and will continue to advocate for our members throughout the process. Amidst any changes, we remain vigilant to ensure our members interests are protected.

Click Here to View the Interactive Map

MDFB on the Project:

Maryland Farm Bureau Opposes the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project:

“Our members have raised important concerns about the viability, and more importantly, the disruption this project causes Maryland farmers,” says MDFB President Jamie Raley. “Maryland Farm Bureau stands with our state’s farmers in opposition to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project for its substantial impact on our state’s finite farmland.”

Read our full statement.

What They’re Saying: Maryland Farm Bureau Opposes MPRP

WHAT IS THE MPRP?

The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) is a proposed 70-mile transmission line running through northern Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Frederick County.

These lines have the potential to cut through agricultural property and the developers will need to acquire property rights for the project. Maryland Farm Bureau is closely monitoring the project’s progress and continues to receive input from grassroots members.

Why is the MPRP BEING CONSIDERED?

In 2022, the Maryland General Assembly passed The Climate Solutions Now Act (SB0528/HB0038), an aggressive goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions 60% from 2006 levels by 2031, achieve 100% clean energy by 2035, and reach net zero emissions by 2045.
Subsequently, the Maryland Department of the Environment released the Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction P lan to meet the goals of the legislature’s bill. The plan states that, “new statewide transmission and distribution infrastructure must be built while existing infrastructure is updated to enhance the electric grid.”
In a statement to the Baltimore Banner, MPRP Project Director Jason Kalwa reiterated that the power generated from the project is necessary for grid reliability, as Maryland now imports 40% of its power and has been retiring its coal-fired power plants.
Blog Post: Maryland Lawmakers Put Farms at Risk with Data Center Legislation

HOW CAN I SHARE MY OPINION?

Maryland’s Public Service Commission has established an email address for submitting public comment relating to the project: piedmontcomments.psc@maryland.gov.
As the project is needed to reach goals mandated by the Maryland General Assembly, you are also encouraged to contact your state representatives.
Stay up-to-date with local news sources for general information sessions being hosted in your area.

HOW ELSE CAN I HELP?

Share this page and spread the word to your friends and neighbors.
Become a member of Maryland Farm Bureau, the state’s largest agricultural trade organization dedicated to fighting on behalf of Maryland farmers.
Donate to our Legal/Legislative Defense Fund to support our legal efforts that protect the interests of Maryland farmers.