2-11-2025 4:48am

County To Intervene

County Executive Klausmeier Announces Baltimore County Intervention in Transmission Line Project

TOWSON – County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced that Baltimore County will petition to intervene in the Maryland Public Service Commission’s consideration of PSEG Renewable Transmission’s application for authority to construct the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.

"Protecting the best interests of our residents and agricultural community while maintaining the County’s conservation easements and preserved land are our top priorities,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “While Baltimore County does not have the legal authority to stop the project, we will continue to work with our state and Council partners to share serious concerns about its impacts and protect our County’s agricultural legacy and land preservation interests.”

Baltimore County’s concerns about this proposed project have been well documented over several months. This intervention announcement follows:

County Executive Klausmeier’s January 22, 2025 letter to the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) requesting the group perform an analysis to identify potential impacts to County-owned easements. On January 31, PSEG responded with a summary of the group’s findings, which indicated a significant impact on easements – including those issued under the Baltimore County Agricultural Land Preservation Program – as well as forest buffer and conservation easements.
Baltimore County Council’s unanimous passage of Resolution 45-24 on October 21, 2024 opposing the MPRP and encouraging the Maryland Public Service Commission to reject the project.
Former Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and the Board of Carroll County Commissioners’ September 30, 2024 letter to Governor Moore requesting collaborative support to address and amplify unanswered questions about MPRP.
Then Maryland State Senator Kathy Klausmeier’s – along with 17 additional state legislators – August 27, 2024 letter to regional transmission organization PJM expressing concerns about the project and offering alternative approaches.
Former Baltimore County Executive Olszewski’s July 31, 2024 letter to PSEG expressing serious concerns about the project, opposing the use of eminent domain and requesting a comprehensive justification regarding the necessity for the transmission line project.

"There are still far too many questions about the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project’s potential environmental impacts – as well as impacts on Baltimore County residents and farmers – to move forward,” said County Council Chairman Mike Ertel. “The Council took a stand this past October with our unanimous passage of Resolution 45-24, and fully support Baltimore County’s intervention in this matter.”

"I fully support County Executive Klausmeier and Baltimore County Government's decision to file as an intervener before the Public Service Commission regarding the proposed MPRP power-line project,” said Baltimore County Councilman Wade Kach. “This project threatens to cut across northern Baltimore County, threatening our agricultural industry, and the property rights of many County residents. It also undermines the County’s preservation efforts, which have successfully protected over 70,000 acres of prime and productive land. The proposed route, dangerously close to the Prettyboy Reservoir, poses a significant concern to our environment and water quality. We must stand firm in protecting these vital resources for both current and future generations."

PSEG filed an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity – case number 9773 –with the Maryland Public Service Commission on December 31, 2024. While Baltimore County Government has no legal authority in the approval or disapproval of this project, all efforts from residents and stakeholders to amplify concerns about the project are encouraged.