FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2025

Maryland Freedom Caucus Claims Victory in Energy Fight, Urges Immediate Next Steps to Prevent Further Blackouts

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Freedom Caucus is celebrating a major victory after the U.S. Department of Energy approved PJM’s emergency request to keep Wagner Unit 4 online and protect grid reliability across Maryland. The move comes just weeks after the Caucus sent a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright and President Donald J. Trump urging action under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act to prevent blackouts caused by premature power plant closures.

“This is a clear win for common sense and a validation of our months-long effort to expose the looming energy crisis caused by Governor Moore’s green energy extremism,” said Delegate Brian Chisholm, Maryland Freedom Caucus member. “Secretary Wright’s order keeps the lights on—but this must be the beginning, not the end, of reform.”

Delegate Mark Fisher added, “The Maryland Freedom Caucus is offering solutions that lower prices and stop blackouts. Governor Moore’s extremist policies are wrecking the economy.”

The Caucus has been sounding the alarm since February, warning that the shutdown of Brandon Shores and the deactivation of Wagner would destabilize the grid, increase reliance on imported electricity, and drive up costs. That warning has now been confirmed by PJM and the Department of Energy.

Keeping Wagner 4 online is an essential stopgap. The Maryland Freedom Caucus is now calling for immediate action from Governor Moore:

• Suspend state energy mandates driving the closure of reliable plants like Brandon Shores and Wagner.
• Halt the EmPOWER program, which burdens ratepayers without improving grid reliability.
• Repower closed facilities, including converting Warrior Run to natural gas.
• Include nuclear energy in Maryland’s clean energy plan for long-term stability.

“Our coalition won’t stop until Maryland ends its energy crisis and restores affordable, reliable electricity,” said Chisholm. “Marylanders didn’t vote for blackouts. It’s time for real solutions.”

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