By MDBayNews Staff
Annapolis, Md. — Republican lawmakers from across the Mid-Atlantic gathered in Annapolis on Friday for a multi-state hearing aimed at confronting what they describe as a growing regional energy crisis marked by rising electricity costs, grid reliability concerns, and policy-driven supply constraints.
The event, hosted by the Maryland Freedom Caucus, was the second installment in a broader policy series titled “Powering the Mid-Atlantic: Restoring Energy Affordability and Reliability.” Legislators and energy experts from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia participated in the hearing, which took place inside the Maryland House of Delegates Office Building.
A Regional Problem, Not a State-by-State Issue
Lawmakers emphasized that energy policy decisions made in individual states have far-reaching consequences across the region because of the interconnected nature of the PJM Interconnection, which manages the electric grid serving 13 states and Washington, D.C.
“When one state forces generation offline or delays new infrastructure, everyone else pays for it,” said Matt Morgan, chair of the Maryland Freedom Caucus. Morgan argued that recent policy choices are contributing to higher prices and increased reliability risks for families and businesses across the Mid-Atlantic.
The hearing followed a similar session held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in late 2025, reflecting what organizers describe as a growing multi-state coalition focused on regional energy reform.
Expert Testimony Highlights Supply Constraints and Demand Growth
The hearing featured testimony from grid operators and policy experts who warned that surging demand — driven by data centers, electrification mandates, and population growth — is colliding with the accelerated retirement of reliable power generation.
Among the expert panelists were representatives from PJM Interconnection, grid reliability organizations, and policy institutions, who pointed to tightening reserve margins and volatile capacity prices as warning signs for future affordability and reliability.
Panelists stressed that while innovation and cleaner energy sources remain important, policy must also account for engineering realities and dispatchable power sources to maintain grid stability during peak demand and extreme weather events.
Sharp Criticism of RGGI and Clean Energy Mandates
A central focus of the hearing was criticism of state-level clean energy mandates and Maryland’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state carbon cap-and-trade program covering power plant emissions.
Delegate Brian Chisholm described RGGI as a “grift” that increases electricity bills without delivering meaningful environmental benefits, a sentiment echoed by several speakers throughout the event. Members of the caucus stated their intent to pursue legislation to end Maryland’s participation in the program.
Critics argue that the costs of carbon allowances are passed directly to ratepayers, while emissions reductions are often offset by increased generation in non-participating states — a phenomenon known as emissions leakage.
Calls for an “All-of-the-Above” Energy Strategy
Throughout the hearing, lawmakers and experts called for a more balanced energy strategy that prioritizes affordability and reliability alongside environmental goals. Proposals discussed included:
- Accelerating permitting for new generation and transmission projects
- Supporting a diverse energy mix, including nuclear and natural gas
- Reforming PJM capacity markets to reduce price volatility
- Ensuring large new power users, such as data centers, bear appropriate grid costs
Panelists also urged policymakers to “meet the AI moment” by preparing the grid for rapidly growing technological demand without placing additional burdens on residential consumers.
Press Conference Reinforces Regional Coalition
Following the hearing, the Maryland Freedom Caucus held a multi-state press conference reiterating its call for regional cooperation and legislative coordination. Lawmakers thanked visiting legislators from neighboring states and confirmed that future hearings in the series are planned, with the next expected to take place in New Jersey.
Organizers framed the effort as a response to mounting public concern over electric bills and grid reliability, issues that have drawn increasing bipartisan attention across the Mid-Atlantic.
As energy affordability continues to dominate kitchen-table conversations across Maryland, the Freedom Caucus signaled that the debate over regional energy policy — and Maryland’s role in it — is far from over.
Legislators’ Panel
Republican state delegates and representatives from the host Maryland Freedom Caucus (MDFC) and allied caucuses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. The MDFC extended thanks to out-of-state lawmakers who traveled to join:
- Maryland Freedom Caucus Members (primary hosts and speakers):
- Del. Matt Morgan (Chair, District 29A)
- Del. Kathy Szeliga (Vice Chair, District 7A)
- Del. Lauren Arikan (District 7B)
- Del. Mark Fisher (District 27C)
- Del. Brian Chisholm (District 31)
- Del. Robin Grammer (District 6)
- Del. Ryan Nawrocki (District 7A)
- Out-of-State Participants:
- Representatives from the Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus (@PAFreedomCaucus)
- Lawmakers from New Jersey
- Lawmakers from Virginia
Expert Panel
These energy professionals provided data and analysis on PJM grid challenges:
- Jason Stanek – Executive Director, Governmental Services, PJM Interconnection
- Diane Holder – Vice President, Engineering and Strategic Engagement, PJM Interconnection
- Travis Fisher – Director, Reliability First Corporation
- Thomas J. Day, Ph.D. – Senior Fellow, Energy and Environmental Policy, Cato Institute
The hearing and press conference can be viewed at x.com/MDFreedomCaucus
Keep MDBayNews Reporting Free
MDBayNews exists to help Marylanders understand decisions made by state and local leaders — especially when those decisions affect daily life, rights, and public services.
If this article helped clarify what’s happening or why it matters, reader support makes it possible to keep publishing clear, independent reporting like this.
Have a tip or documents to share?
We review submissions carefully and confidentially. Anonymous tips are welcome when appropriate.
Discover more from Maryland Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.