Grimm Krupa, Cook Urge Public Action Ahead of May 1 Deadline

March 19, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R-Fayette) and Bud Cook (R-Greene/Washington) are urging residents across Pennsylvania to take immediate notice of a second, lesser-known application filed by NextEra Energy that could have far-reaching consequences for property owners statewide.

While local public attention has focused on the proposed Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission line, NextEra has also filed a separate application seeking designation as a public utility in Pennsylvania. If approved, this designation would grant the company the power of eminent domain, allowing it to take private property for approved energy infrastructure projects.

“This is about more than a transmission line,” said Grimm Krupa. “This second application could impact every property owner in Pennsylvania by giving a private, out-of-state company the authority to take land for projects that may not benefit our communities. The MARL project itself is designed to move electricity out of our region to serve demand in the Washington, D.C., area. At a time when grid reliability is already a growing concern, exporting power out of Pennsylvania raises serious questions about the potential for increased strain on our system and the risk of higher costs and reduced reliability for Pennsylvania consumers.”

“It is critical that people understand what is at stake and take advantage of this opportunity to make their voices heard,” she added.

“We want to keep residents of the 50th Legislative District informed about this project,” Cook said. “Town halls like these are essential because they give people a chance to ask questions directly and understand how the process works.”

Both applications are currently before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and the deadline to file protests, petitions to intervene or submit public comments is May 1. This is the only formal opportunity for residents, landowners and stakeholders to weigh in on either filing.

To help residents better understand both applications and how to take action, Grimm Krupa and Cook will host a virtual town hall on Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m., with a presentation from the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate.

During the event, participants will learn:
  • Details of the MARL transmission line proposal.
  • Information about NextEra’s request for public utility status.
  • How to file protests, petitions to intervene or public comments.

Residents can join the virtual town hall using the following:

Log in through Microsoft Teams using:
  • Meeting ID: 287 396 341 018 35
  • Passcode: RD34Zq6w

Dial in by phone by:
  • Calling 814-580-6199
  • Entering conference ID: 833246978#

For those without reliable internet access, staff will host a public viewing of the virtual town hall at the Haydentown Fire Department, where residents can attend in person.

Residents are encouraged to attend the town hall, learn about their rights and take action before the May 1 deadline.

For more information, visit repgrimmkrupa.com or contact Grimm Krupa’s district office at 724-438-6100.