D.C. is Trying to Steal Your Energy

An Update: Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link Transmission Project Filing



I want to make residents aware that NextEra Energy has formally filed its application on March 3rd with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the proposed Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link transmission line. This filing officially begins the regulatory review process.

For those who want to review the details, the initial application is available through the website of the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate:
 
Initial Application: MARL (MidAtlantic Resiliency Link) Transmission Line - Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
 
The PowerPoint presentation from our recent town hall, prepared by the Office of Consumer Advocate explaining landowners’ rights and how to participate in the PUC process, is available here:
 
Town Hall Presentation. 
 
In addition, physical routing study binders prepared for the project are available for public viewing at:
• Point Marion Public Library
• Smithfield Public Library
 
These materials provide a closer look at the proposed route and project details for anyone who wishes to review them in person.
 
Why this matters
This proposal raises serious concerns for our region.
 
Property Rights: Pennsylvania landowners could face easements or even eminent domain for the construction of this transmission corridor.
 
Grid Reliability: Warnings from PJM Interconnection indicate our regional grid supply is tightening and brownouts or blackouts could occur as early as next year if supply continues to decline.
 
Exporting Pennsylvania Energy: Projects like this would move electricity generated in Pennsylvania to other regions. Jurisdictions like Washington, D.C. have strained their own grid with policies that limit reliable generation while allowing enormous power demand from data centers. Now proposals like this would send more Pennsylvania energy out of state.
 
Higher Costs: On top of these concerns, Pennsylvania ratepayers could ultimately be responsible for paying a portion of the costs of constructing this new transmission line through electric transmission rates.
 
In short, Pennsylvania communities could be asked to host the infrastructure, risk property rights impacts, and potentially pay higher electric bills while the benefits flow elsewhere.
 
Stay Informed and Get Involved
My office is monitoring this application very closely, but public participation will be critical as this process moves forward.
 
I strongly encourage anyone interested — especially property owners and local residents — to review the materials and stay engaged.
 
We will continue sharing updates here on this page and through our weekly newsletters as new information becomes available.
 
Your property rights, your electric reliability, and your energy costs are all part of this conversation — and your voice matters!