The proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project has created a significant amount of stress and uncertainty across rural Maryland, particularly in my legislative district in Baltimore County and in Carroll and Frederick counties, which the 70-mile power line would cut through.

Our residents and communities were completely caught off guard by this proposal and we are all stunned at the way the New Jersey company Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) is trying to rush this project through without thorough discussion and transparency.

To say this proposal will be devastating to the communities, homes, farms and character of Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties is an understatement. The scope and impact of this project should concern every Marylander, especially in the communities that will be directly affected.

PSEG’s plan to destroy our citizens’ future, take their land, change their communities and impact a way of life should give everyone great pause. This New Jersey-based company plans to take 70 miles of land from Maryland citizens with little regard for our concerns about the impact on lives or communities.

Equally concerning are the falsehoods presented by PSEG that this project is needed to support increased demand from Maryland data centers. This is not true. Quantum Loophole, which plans to build a massive data center in Frederick County, has publicly said it has no need for the power line and is able to meet its energy demands elsewhere.

If Marylanders have been misled on this, what other mistruths have we been told? What we have learned is much of this power is going to be delivered to Virginia and not used by Marylanders, even though their lives are being disrupted.

The lack of transparency and public engagement has been stunning to me. The threats of eminent domain if citizens do not simply comply is appalling. I am opposed to this project and will work with other concerned elected officials and citizens to stop this assault on our communities.

Ultimately, the future of this project will rest with the Maryland Public Service Commission (MPSC), which must approve this project for it to proceed. The MPSC has fortunately been proactive in making sure our input is heard, setting up a dedicated email account to accept public comments.

We must engage, be active and not be intimidated by New Jersey companies who have no regard for Marylanders or their future. I am opposed to the Piedmont Reliability Project and will work with my colleagues in elective office and citizens to stop it.

Nino Mangione (nino.mangione@house.state.md.us) is a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 42A in Baltimore County.