By Staff Writer
The Carroll County Board of Commissioners (BoC) is deeply disappointed to learn that a federal judge has ruled in favor of the Public Service Energy Group (PSEG), granting the company temporary access to 90 privately owned properties within the county. This decision comes as a significant setback in the county’s ongoing efforts to oppose the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), a high-voltage transmission line initiative that has raised serious concerns among residents, landowners, and local leaders.
Earlier this year, in March, the BoC formally denied PSEG access to land owned by Carroll County government. In a strongly worded statement, the Board reiterated its opposition to the MPRP, emphasizing that the project would cause long-term damage to the county’s environment, disrupt agricultural operations, and diminish the quality of life for residents.
The BoC stated at the time: “Carroll County has been very clear that we are vehemently opposed to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), which would adversely impact the environment, our agricultural industries, and the quality of life of our citizens. We are rejecting your request for permission to enter the captioned county properties, and we have no interest in granting any access rights which would facilitate this flawed project.”
Since the MPRP was first announced, the BoC has remained firmly against it and has consistently acted to represent the concerns and interests of the Carroll County community. This includes working closely with residents, private landowners, advocacy groups, and elected officials to push back against what the Board sees as an unnecessary and harmful overreach by a utility company.
In light of the judge’s ruling, the BoC reaffirms its commitment to standing with Carroll County’s citizens, protecting private property rights, and preserving the county’s rural and agricultural heritage. The Board is continuing to use its voice and influence to work with neighboring jurisdictions, as well as with state and federal leaders, to challenge the MPRP in its current form.
The BoC will explore all available legal, legislative, and administrative avenues to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and that any infrastructure projects respect the integrity of Carroll County’s land, people, and future. Visit the Carroll County Government website carrollcountymd.gov or follow the Carroll County Government Offices on Facebook.
