Annapolis, MD, January 14, 2026
The Maryland Freedom Caucus will hold a hearing titled ‘Powering the Mid-Atlantic’ in Annapolis to address the regional energy crisis. This event invites collaboration among legislators from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia to discuss energy supply issues and seek practical solutions. Key discussion topics include the imbalance between energy supply and demand, impacts of permitting delays, and future grid resiliency. Community members are encouraged to attend, emphasizing the importance of local involvement in shaping energy policies.
Maryland Freedom Caucus Hosts Energy Hearing in Annapolis
Exploring Solutions for the Mid-Atlantic Energy Crisis
ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Freedom Caucus is set to lead a critical examination of the regional energy landscape with its upcoming hearing titled “Powering the Mid-Atlantic: Restoring Energy Affordability and Reliability.” Scheduled for January 16, 2026, this event represents a vital opportunity for legislators from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia to collaboratively address the challenges facing the PJM Interconnection amidst an escalating energy crisis.
In light of recent pressures on the power grid, local organizers are stepping up to facilitate dialogue aimed at restoring energy reliability. The collaborative nature of these hearings exemplifies the benefits of reduced bureaucracy in allowing states to work together toward common goals, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in energy policies.
The Energy Crisis at Hand
The hearing comes on the heels of an inaugural session held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in October 2025. During this meeting, legislators identified critical issues related to the PJM Interconnection, which serves 65 million people across 13 states and the District of Columbia. Current discussions center on the concerning imbalance between decreasing energy supply and increasing demand, heightened by state-level mandates and the closure of traditional power generation facilities.
A Call for Innovative Solutions
Delegate Brian Chisholm highlighted the disconnect between existing legislative trends and the physical realities of energy provision. As energy demands rise, there is an ongoing dismantling of the infrastructure needed to meet those demands. Chisholm’s statements reflect a growing frustration among many lawmakers who believe the current trajectory may jeopardize energy reliability for their constituents.
The Importance of Regional Cooperation
The multi-state dimension of the hearings signifies recognition of the interconnectedness of energy policies. Maryland Freedom Caucus Chair, Delegate Matt Morgan, articulated the view that energy policy does not operate within isolated state boundaries. When one state enforces restrictive measures, impacts may ripple through the entire PJM network, ultimately affecting ratepayers in surrounding states. Collaboration, therefore, is essential to develop a coherent response to regional energy challenges.
Key Discussion Topics
Scheduled testimonies during the upcoming hearing will include contributions from grid operators and policy experts who will delve into several pressing topics:
- The reasons behind shrinking capacity amidst rising demand.
- The impact of permitting delays and closures on the regional energy supply.
- The long-term outlook for electricity rates and grid resiliency, including risks of potential blackouts.
Vice Chair Kathy Szeliga emphasized the hearing’s goal: to redirect discussions toward empirical, market-driven solutions rather than adhering to what she termed “fantasy-based” policies. This practical approach aims to ground energy policy in the actual capabilities of the grid and the economy.
Upcoming Legislative Considerations
The 2026 session of the Maryland General Assembly commences on January 14 and will run until April 13. As part of their platform, the Maryland Freedom Caucus has outlined a focus on energy reform, which seeks to challenge existing policies they believe are leading to increased costs and reduced reliability. The outcomes of this and subsequent hearings could pave the way for substantial changes that enhance Maryland’s energy framework.
Participate and Engage
Residents interested in the future of Maryland’s energy policies are encouraged to attend the hearing scheduled for January 16, 2026. Taking place in the Maryland House of Delegates Office Building from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., this event represents a significant engagement opportunity for community members to witness firsthand discussions that will shape energy policy in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Call to Action
As Maryland navigates its energy challenges, the outcomes of these hearings and legislative discussions will be crucial in shaping the state’s energy future. Community involvement in events like these is essential, highlighting the role of local leadership and individual initiative in driving positive change within the Baltimore MD community and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Maryland Freedom Caucus?
The Maryland Freedom Caucus is a group of elected officials committed to defending freedom, individual liberty, and constitutional government in Maryland. They focus on issues such as fiscal responsibility, government accountability, energy reliability, and limited government.
What is the purpose of the “Powering the Mid-Atlantic” hearings?
The “Powering the Mid-Atlantic” hearings aim to address the escalating energy crisis threatening the regional power grid. They focus on restoring energy affordability and reliability across the Mid-Atlantic region by bringing together legislators and energy policy experts to discuss challenges facing the PJM Interconnection.
When and where is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in the Maryland House of Delegates Office Building in Annapolis, Maryland. The session will run from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by a press conference featuring participating legislators and expert panelists.
What topics will be discussed at the hearing?
The hearing will cover several key topics, including:
- The reasons behind shrinking capacity in the face of rising demand.
- The impact of permitting delays and forced plant closures on the regional supply.
- The long-term outlook for electricity rates, grid resiliency, and the risk of blackouts.
How can I attend the hearing?
The hearing is open to the public and will take place in the Maryland House of Delegates Office Building in Annapolis. For more information on attending, please refer to the official Maryland Freedom Caucus website or contact their office directly.
Why is the Maryland Freedom Caucus concerned about energy policies?
The Maryland Freedom Caucus is concerned that current energy policies, including state-level mandates and the forced closure of traditional power plants, are creating an imbalance between shrinking energy supply and rising demand. They advocate for market-driven solutions to restore energy affordability and reliability.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Title | Powering the Mid-Atlantic: Restoring Energy Affordability and Reliability |
| Date | January 16, 2026 |
| Location | Maryland House of Delegates Office Building, Annapolis, MD |
| Time | 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Goal | Address the escalating energy crisis and restore energy affordability and reliability. |
| Participating States | Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia |
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