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CBS News
25-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland residents appeal approved property access for controversial power line project
Maryland residents in the path of the controversial Piedmont Reliability Project are appealing after a federal judge granted surveyors access to their properties. The project aims to build nearly 70 miles of overhead power lines through three counties. On June 20, New Jersey-based developer PSEG Renewable Transmission was granted permission for surveyors to be on properties to assess the project. The power lines would go through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties. 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. Filing submitted to survey properties In April, despite pushback from Maryland property owners, PSEG submitted a court filing that would force residents to allow surveyors onto their land. The developer said surveying must be complete before proceeding with the construction. PSEG's Temporary Right to Entry filing asked the court to allow the surveying of 91 properties for the project. Maryland property owners fight back Landowners and lawyers say the proposed project could have negative environmental impacts and would impede personal property. "It's going to start at the top of my hill, take out that forest there, which is an old-growth oak forest," landowner 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," added attorney Susan Euteneuer. Some residents told WJZ that the power lines 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." 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.
CBS News
10-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland PSC to set schedule for controversial energy project
Maryland's Public Service Commission will hold a virtual conference to set a procedural schedule for the controversial Piedmont Reliability Project. The proposed 70-mile transmission line would run through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties. Today's hearing comes as several Maryland property owners wait for a federal judge to decide whether the developer can survey property owners' land. What is the purpose of the Piedmont Reliability Project? The Piedmont Reliability Project would involve the construction of 70 miles of 500,000-volt overhead power lines connecting an existing transmission line through parts of Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties. PSEG Renewable Transmission, the New Jersey-based developer, says the project is needed to keep up with Maryland's growing need for power that is generated within the state. According to the company, Maryland will face an increased energy deficit and power grid congestion if the state doesn't increase its capacity. Why the pushback? Residents 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 say 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. Janet Stratton, a Hereford resident, told WJZ her farm that's been passed down for six generations is in the path of the potential 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 said the project poses risks to the bay's habitat and water quality. The CBF said 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. Developer asks court for access to residents' 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 filing for Temporary Right to Entry asks the court to allow the surveying of 91 properties for the project.
