November 23rd, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Governor Wes Moore released the following statement on the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project: Over the past several months, I have listened to concerns from local leaders, businesses, and residents about the Piedmont Reliability Project. I appreciate and respect the many Marylanders who have voiced strong opposition—especially the farmers, small business owners, and residents whose livelihoods stand to suffer impact.

As I have said from the start, I share grave concerns about how the study area for this project was determined, the lack of community involvement in the planning process, and the lack of effective communication about the impacts of this project. The single most important factor remains wholly unclear: the project’s comprehensive benefit to Marylanders.

In October, I joined Gov. Pritzker, Gov. Carney, and Gov. Murphy in signing a letter imploring PJM leadership to embrace, without delay, opportunities to work collaboratively on transmission planning. Together, we recognize that energy and economic development goals are not mutually exclusive and that progress depends upon true partnership to achieve growth.

To be clear: We need sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure to ensure the reliability of our grid and build the economy of the future in our state. But the approach must be one that puts people first.  

In the coming days, I will ask leadership from PJM Interconnection and PSEG, the companies in charge of this project, to meet with me to discuss serious reservations about how this process has been conducted thus far, and the type of engagement I expect with our communities.