Large Crowd Shows Up For Forum On Md. Piedmont Reliability Project

Most residents expressed opposition to this power line.Photo from PSEG’s website.Frederick, Md (KM) About 700 people showed up on Wednesday evening at Linganore High School for a forum on the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. That’s according to Frederick County  Council President Brad Young, who also attended.The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project is a nearly 70-mile long, 500-kilovolt electric line which would extend from northern Baltimore County  to Carroll County and into Frederick County. “The company that’s building the transmission line was there to answer questions. Unfortunately, the Public Service Commission and the ones that really have the authority approval did not come to the meeting There was definitely a lot of passion in the room and people upset about these power lines potentially going across their property,” says Young.The company building the power line, the Public Service Enterprise Group, (PSEG), says the line is needed to help meet the future power needs of the region. “The question—and I think It’s a good question–is are these power lines really just helping other areas and using Frederick as a conduit to pass through; or is this going to help Frederick County,” Young said. “It’s not clear that this power was necessary for what our needs are  here in Frederick County.”Councilman Steve McKay has said this power line passing Frederick County would provide electricity to data centers in Loudon County, Virginia.The transmission line has generated a lot of opposition from property owners in Frederick County who say they were not given enough notice about this line, and that PSEG has said it will consider using eminent domain to obtain the land it needs for this transmission line.Young says he has not taken a position  on this power line. “Based on what I heard last night {Wed} I’m certainly leaning against supporting this line coming through,” he said. “I want to make sure that I have all the information and clear answers before I take a position I certainly think that it’s something the Council may consider. But, again, the County Executive could weigh in on this.”The Carroll County Commissioners have approved a resolution expressing strong opposition to this power line. There have been calls for  the Frederick County Council to approve a similar resolution.Young says whether this project goes forward is up to the Maryland Public Service Commission and local governments will have little say in the matter. PSEG has said it expects to file an application to build this project in the future. Once that happens, PSC will hold hearings before making a decision.By Kevin McManus