By Paul Goeringer
The University of Maryland’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the Agriculture Law Education Initiative recently published “Transmission Lines and Property Rights: A Maryland Landowner’s Guide to Eminent Domain and the Piedmont Reliability Project,” a timely resource for Maryland landowners concerned about the impacts of the 70-mile high-voltage transmission line project, the Piedmont Reliability Project (PRP). The guide, crafted by Holiday Hull, Madeline Jones, and Paul Goeringer, lays out the legal rights, process steps, and compensation considerations landowners should know.
Key Features of the Guide
- Defines eminent domain in Maryland law and explains how utilities obtain the power to acquire easements and rights-of-way.
- Clarifies the role of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), which is required before such utilities may exercise eminent domain.
- Outlines the negotiation process, including how utilities choose routes, make initial offers for easements, perform appraisals, and what landowners can do if the offer is inadequate.
- Details how just compensation is determined, including market value, special property attributes, and procedures to challenge valuation in court.
- Addresses how preserved lands (such as those under MALPF, MET, or the Rural Legacy Program) are treated under eminent domain and what landowners need to watch out for.
Why This Guide Matters
The Piedmont Reliability Project is part of the regional transmission infrastructure set by PJM Interconnection to ensure electrical grid reliability. Many landowners along the proposed route face uncertainty—over how the route is selected, what rights utilities have to take property or easements, and whether compensation will fairly reflect all impacts. This publication aims to empower those landowners with clear, legally informed guidance.
Advice for Landowners
Among other recommendations, the guide suggests landowners:
- Gather documentation early: use aerial maps, photographs, and retain knowledge about environmental or development features of your land.
- Seek legal counsel experienced in eminent domain.
- Understand your rights to be involved in the CPCN process, including public hearings and being an intervener.
You can access the full guide at https://go.umd.edu/PRPED
