PSEG’s application to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) was deemed incomplete by the Power Plant Research Program (PPRP). PPRP found that PSEG did not adequately explain why alternate routes for the power line project were rejected. It also found that field studies to determine environmental impacts should have been performed.
PSEG responded that field studies are not required. It also asked for an expedited hearing schedule to allow it to begin construction in a timely manner. Additionally, it listed individuals and organizations whose applications for intervenor status it felt should be rejected as they do not own property on the proposed transmission line’s right of way.
The PSC is accepting comments and responses to PSEG’s filing through April 11.
We are still digesting the results of the state’s legislative session that ended April 7. Many bills were submitted in response to issues raised by the MPRP, energy availability and costs, and data centers. Very few passed, though we are encouraged that there will be a work group studying the impact of data centers, and that electric companies will be required to be transparent about their votes at meetings of PJM, the regional transmission organization that makes energy decisions for Maryland.
We are dismayed a bill that takes away counties’ ability to site solar projects passed. But we’re very glad that a bill to allow fracking did not pass.
Bills cannot become law until signed by the governor.