ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Freedom Caucus has announced a new regional coalition of state lawmakers from across the Mid-Atlantic to address rising consumer energy costs and threats to the power grid’s reliability. The bipartisan effort aims to counter what they describe as “delusional climate cultist ideology” driving state energy policies.
The coalition includes legislators from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia, and is forming under the banner of a “Powering the Mid-Atlantic” initiative.
Maryland Delegate Brian Chisholm (R-Anne Arundel), a prominent member of the conservative Maryland Freedom Caucus, sharply criticized current policies, stating, “Politicians and special interest groups have traded energy independence for a delusional climate cultist ideology, and every Maryland family is paying the price with skyrocketing bills and a rapidly dwindling energy supply. We stand firmly united with our colleagues in neighboring states to deliver real, adult solutions…”
Shared Grid, Shared Challenges
The lawmakers emphasized that because the four states share the same electrical grid and transmission lines, energy policy decisions in one state inevitably impact families and businesses across the entire region.
“Aligning energy policies with our neighboring states has been some of the most productive collaboration I’ve experienced this session,” said Representative David H. Rowe, chairman of the Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee. “I commend my colleagues… and look forward to working toward a balanced solution for a balanced grid.”
Upcoming Public Hearings
The coalition’s goal is two-fold: to “shine a light” on how current energy policies are impacting affordability and reliability, and to “chart a better path forward.”
Their first event, a public hearing focused on energy policy, is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28th, at 9:00 AM in the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg.
The formation of the coalition represents a coordinated, multi-state effort by conservative lawmakers to challenge established environmental and energy policies throughout the region, prioritizing energy affordability and supply stability as key consumer issues.
The Maryland Freedom Caucus, which is part of a national network of conservative state-level caucuses, typically advocates for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and conservative social policies.
Maryland joined the State Freedom Caucus Network, which aims to restore fiscal responsibility and limit the size and scope of government, in early 2025.
Photo via Pixabay
Originally published by NottinghamMD.