Grassroots Activism in Energy Infrastructure: Lessons from STOP PATH WV and the Current Fights Against Transource and MPRP

While the fight against high voltage powerlines and PATH is over in West Virginia, the fight still rages on in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

In the face of expansive energy infrastructure projects, communities across Maryland and Pennsylvania are mobilizing against proposed transmission lines, drawing inspiration from the successful grassroots campaign led by STOP PATH WV. The ongoing battles against the Transource Independence Energy Connection and the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) demonstrate the enduring power of local activism in shaping energy policy.

The Current Opposition: Transource and MPRP

The Transource Independence Energy Connection project, proposed by Transource Energy, aims to construct new high-voltage transmission lines through Franklin and York counties in Pennsylvania, extending into Maryland. The project, valued at $372 million, is designed to alleviate congestion in the regional power grid but has been met with significant resistance due to concerns over property devaluation, environmental impact, and the use of eminent domain. Despite initial setbacks, including a denial by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) in 2021, Transource secured a favorable ruling in federal court, increasing the likelihood of the project’s approval. This ruling is currently under appeal in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Recently the Keystone Heart and Soul podcast held a two-part special discussing the Transource project, and is currently airing a two-part special on PATH.

In Maryland, the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), proposed by Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), has also sparked strong opposition. The 500,000-volt transmission line, planned to span 70 miles across Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties, has raised concerns about its impact on local agriculture, historic sites, and property values. The possibility of eminent domain has further fueled the resistance, leading to the formation of the Stop MPRP movement.

STOP PATH WV: A Blueprint for Success

The experiences of STOP PATH WV provide a valuable blueprint for these ongoing battles. STOP PATH WV was a grassroots organization formed in response to the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH) project, a proposed 275-mile transmission line intended to run through West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. The group successfully utilized public education, legal challenges, and coalition-building to mobilize local opposition, ultimately leading to the project’s cancellation in 2012.

Stop Transource Franklin County: A Focused Community Effort

The Stop Transource Franklin County movement has been at the forefront of the opposition against the Transource project. The group has focused on educating the public about the potential negative impacts of the project, particularly the risks associated with eminent domain and the disruption to local agriculture. The organization has played a critical role in delaying the project and bringing its legal challenges to the forefront.

However, recent developments have altered the dynamics of this opposition. In a significant announcement, the Franklin County Commissioners approved a settlement agreement that ends the county’s active opposition to the Transource project. This decision follows the federal court’s ruling that made the project’s approval more likely. Although Franklin County was denied permission to intervene in the federal litigation and had its appeal rejected, the settlement offers a pragmatic approach to mitigating potential negative effects on the local community.

As part of the settlement, Transource will provide Franklin County with up to $9 million in cash and in-kind relocation expenses if the project is approved and constructed. These funds are earmarked for land preservation projects and other initiatives aimed at reducing the project’s impact on the county. The settlement also includes provisions for ‘micro-siting’ adjustments within the existing corridor, allowing for limited modifications to the transmission line’s path.

Stop MPRP: Mobilizing Against MPRP in Maryland

Similarly, Stop MPRP has emerged as the central opposition force against the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. The organization has focused on ensuring transparency and public engagement, urging PSEG to explore less disruptive alternatives and fully assess the project’s potential impacts on local communities. Stop MPRP continues to rally support, coordinate with local officials, and advocate for protecting Maryland’s agricultural and historic lands from unnecessary development.

Pathways to Success: Lessons for Opponents of Transource and MPRP

The ongoing efforts of Stop Transource Franklin County and Stop MPRP underscore the importance of grassroots activism in challenging large-scale infrastructure projects. By drawing on the successful tactics of STOP PATH WV, these movements are employing strategies that include:

1. Public Education: Informing the public about the potential impacts of these projects is critical for building opposition.
2. Legal and Regulatory Engagement: Participating in the legal and regulatory processes through objections, public hearings, and legal challenges can delay or even halt unwanted projects.
3. Coalition Building: Forming alliances with other concerned groups and engaging local government officials strengthens opposition efforts.
4. Sustained Advocacy: Persistence is key. The success of STOP PATH WV was due to their long-term commitment, a lesson that Stop Transource and Stop MPRP are applying in their respective fights.

Part two of the PATH episode will be available on August 26, 2024 on Spotify.

As the battles against the Transource Independence Energy Connection and the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project continue, the experiences of STOP PATH WV provide a roadmap for success. Through public education, legal action, and coalition-building, the grassroots movements of Stop Transource Franklin County and Stop MPRP are poised to make significant strides in protecting their communities. These efforts illustrate the enduring power of organized, local opposition in shaping the future of regional energy infrastructure.

For more information, visit Stop Transource Franklin County and Stop MPRP.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Radio Free Hub City is compensated for editing the Keystone Heart and Soul Podcast.