Governor Rejects Eminent Domain

As a former Maryland State Senator, John Bambacus understands leadership and the responsibilities that come with it. In a recent letter to the editor of the Cumberland Times-News, Bambacus calls upon Governor Moore to stand up for Garrett and Alleghany residents as NextEra Energy makes plans to construct powerlines through uncharted territories, farmland, and private properties.

To the Editor

Residents of Garrett and Allegany counties have just learned of the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL). The proposal would string new 500kV lines across private farms using eminent domain. It would also cut through protected Wildlands and the Youghiogheny, Maryland’s only Wild and Scenic River. A similar battle is happening in Frederick, Carroll, and Baltimore Counties with the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP).

We were encouraged by Governor Moore’s recent stand against PJM’s Piedmont power line. He’s right: no landowner should be strong-armed into granting access, and no community should see its property rights eviscerated in the name of “reliability.” This project provides no benefit to the residents of Maryland and only benefits massive data centers in Northern Virginia. Eminent domain is a grave power—intended as a true last resort, not a shortcut for corporate expediency.

For generations, we have safeguarded forests, streams, and family farms. We deserve the same transparent, community-first process Moore demands for downstate counties. If PJM can’t earn consent through genuine dialogue, it has no business trampling private rights or protected lands. Governor Moore must extend his pledge “to stand with the people” to Garrett and Allegany counties. Consistent leadership means defending property owners everywhere in Maryland—before eminent domain becomes a shield for special interests, rather than a tool of the public good.

John N. Bambacus,

Maryland State Senator 1982-1990, Garrett and Allegany Counties

You can send your opinion to Governor Wes Moore online. Ask him to veto Senate Bill 399 that allows the development of Maryland's formerly protected lands. Also, ask him to publicly denounce eminent domain for the entirety of Maryland.

Governor Mooore