PA, Maryland Freedom Caucuses Unite for Energy Hearing

Annapolis, MD— Two state Freedom Caucuses joined forces yesterday for a hard- hitting energy hearing in Maryland. After a successful first stop of the “Powering the Mid-Atlantic: Restoring Energy Affordability and Reliability” series in Harrisburg late last year, the Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus hit the road to join the Maryland Freedom Caucus in Annapolis for round two.

The joint hearing brought together lawmakers, energy policy experts, and grid operators to examine the growing crisis of affordability and reliability in the PJM Interconnection region. Legislators from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia heard testimony on capacity shortfalls, forced power plant retirements, and the long-term consequences of politically driven mandates that are driving energy prices higher.

“Today was about cutting through the spin and getting the truth on the record,” said Delegate Matt Morgan, Chair of the Maryland Freedom Caucus. “Our two caucuses are working together because we know this is bigger than just one state. When policymakers push unrealistic mandates and shut down reliable generation, it’s families and businesses who pay the price.”

“High-load users don’t break a grid. Underproduction does,” said Representative Robert Leadbeter, Chair of the Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus. “Pennsylvania exports over 30% of the power it produces, which proves the problem isn’t demand; it’s Democrat policies that discourage building new supply. We joined our colleagues in Maryland because working with allies across state lines is how we push back—and restore the prosperity that comes with energy production.”

The MDFC and PAFC will reunite for the third installment of the hearing series sometime later this year in New Jersey.