Starting this Saturday, the Maryland Public Service Commission will begin public hearings on the Transource Independence Energy Connection project. The public -- that's you! It's time for you to be heard!
It's a rare moment indeed when a government commission volunteers to work on a Saturday in order to provide the widest opportunity for working folks to participate in the very important public hearing process. In fact, I've never heard of one like this before. Don't let this important process go by without your comments!
When: Saturday, April 27. Hearing begins at 11:00 a.m., but please come early in order to sign up to speak and find a good seat.
Where: North Harford High School, 211 Pylesville Rd., Pylesville, MD
What: The Maryland PSC, who will make a decision whether or not to permit this project to happen, wants to hear from the public in order to inform their decision. If you want to address the Commission briefly (3 minute limit), sign up with the PSC personnel in the lobby before the meeting. If you think you can't speak, or the idea of doing so simply gives you the willies, you may submit written comments to the PSC staff at the sign-up table. If you're undecided, come prepared for either action. However beware that a certain magic happens at these hearings. The feeling of camaraderie and community you will experience listening to the heartfelt comments of your friends and neighbors has been known to inspire even the most squeamish to trek back out to the lobby to add their name to the speakers' list. And if you think you don't have a comment to make, please come and listen. You may find that you want to participate after the hearing gets going, and that's okay. Many in your community have been working hard, contributing both time and money to preserve your community and stop this expensive and unnecessary project and they would welcome your support during this important hearing.
It's a rare moment indeed when a government commission volunteers to work on a Saturday in order to provide the widest opportunity for working folks to participate in the very important public hearing process. In fact, I've never heard of one like this before. Don't let this important process go by without your comments!
When: Saturday, April 27. Hearing begins at 11:00 a.m., but please come early in order to sign up to speak and find a good seat.
Where: North Harford High School, 211 Pylesville Rd., Pylesville, MD
What: The Maryland PSC, who will make a decision whether or not to permit this project to happen, wants to hear from the public in order to inform their decision. If you want to address the Commission briefly (3 minute limit), sign up with the PSC personnel in the lobby before the meeting. If you think you can't speak, or the idea of doing so simply gives you the willies, you may submit written comments to the PSC staff at the sign-up table. If you're undecided, come prepared for either action. However beware that a certain magic happens at these hearings. The feeling of camaraderie and community you will experience listening to the heartfelt comments of your friends and neighbors has been known to inspire even the most squeamish to trek back out to the lobby to add their name to the speakers' list. And if you think you don't have a comment to make, please come and listen. You may find that you want to participate after the hearing gets going, and that's okay. Many in your community have been working hard, contributing both time and money to preserve your community and stop this expensive and unnecessary project and they would welcome your support during this important hearing.
Who: YOU! You don't have to be a Maryland resident to participate. You don't have to be an affected property owner. You're probably an affected ratepayer who will end up paying for this project through increased electric bills for the next 40 years. Even if you spoke at the Pennsylvania public hearings last year, you may speak again. This is a whole new commission, making a completely different decision. Make sure they make the right one!
If you miss this hearing, or it's too far away, you'll have another opportunity on May 18 at Smithsburg High School in Smithsburg, MD, also beginning at 11 a.m. If no one shows up for this hearing, what message does that send to the PSC Commissioners? Please make time to attend the hearing closest to you!
Why are public hearings so important? Public hearings let the commissions know what the affected public thinks about the project and help to drive the opinion they will issue. A project nobody seems to care about is taken as acquiescence. But a hotly opposed project causes the commission to take notice that the public who would supposedly "benefit" from the project doesn't want it.
Has public hearing participation made a difference in other states, on other projects? Absolutely! Decked out, verbal and prolific public participants have rocked public hearing venues in other states so hard that the project has eventually been denied by the state commission.
It's time to stand up and stand out against Transource. I guarantee you'll leave the hearing with a full heart, energized and inspired to do the best for your community. Don't miss this important event! You'll remember it proudly for a long, long time!
If you miss this hearing, or it's too far away, you'll have another opportunity on May 18 at Smithsburg High School in Smithsburg, MD, also beginning at 11 a.m. If no one shows up for this hearing, what message does that send to the PSC Commissioners? Please make time to attend the hearing closest to you!
Why are public hearings so important? Public hearings let the commissions know what the affected public thinks about the project and help to drive the opinion they will issue. A project nobody seems to care about is taken as acquiescence. But a hotly opposed project causes the commission to take notice that the public who would supposedly "benefit" from the project doesn't want it.
Has public hearing participation made a difference in other states, on other projects? Absolutely! Decked out, verbal and prolific public participants have rocked public hearing venues in other states so hard that the project has eventually been denied by the state commission.
It's time to stand up and stand out against Transource. I guarantee you'll leave the hearing with a full heart, energized and inspired to do the best for your community. Don't miss this important event! You'll remember it proudly for a long, long time!
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