Governor Wes Moore of Maryland expressed “grave concerns” about a proposal to build 70 miles of overhead power lines cutting across Carroll, Baltimore, and Frederick counties. The $424 million Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, proposed by PSEG, aims to provide power for Maryland and Virginia while potentially lowering utility rates. However, Moore raised issues about community involvement, lack of communication, and environmental impact, citing concerns from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The project, still in the approval phase, has faced bipartisan opposition with legislators demanding transparency and residents worried about the impact on protected lands. The plan to submit an application by the end of the year has sparked public outcry, as seen in community meetings with hundreds of attendees expressing opposition to the project. Despite assertions by PSEG that the new lines are necessary, residents, officials, and conservation groups are advocating for alternative solutions to protect farmland, preserve watersheds, and ensure long-term environmental sustainability. Moore’s call for reevaluation and prioritizing people in infrastructure decisions underscores the need for responsible development in Maryland.
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