January 22nd, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Next Era Energy is proposing a new transmission line through wildland areas of Garrett and Allegany counties. A new bill in Annapolis wants to clarify that pathway first. Senate Bill 399 was requested by Senator Brian Feldman and is being sponsored by Senator Mike McKay since it affects District 1. The bill will be heard in the Energy, Environment, and Education committee. McKay says he is being overly cautious – while Next Era’s plans are in their infancy, he wants to make sure constituents understand what this bill would decide before any other action takes place…

  

“Potomac Edison has existing lines through the three wildlands mentioned in the bill. This would, as an option, allow greater amounts of the wildlands to go along next to the Potomac Edison lines.”

The Senator says he wants to operate in a transparent manner, giving people in the area plenty of notice, unlike the Piedmont Reliability Project that has caused issues downstate…

   

“It is my understanding is that it’s completely different from Piedmont in that this is going along existing Potomac Edison lines. They would just be taking on more like 10 or 15 feet on each side of the existing line that’s already there.”