Maryland Lawmakers Propose Bipartisan Plan to Address Energy Costs

The plan would task the Maryland Stadium Authority with building new power facilities to prevent potential blackouts.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:07pm

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A bipartisan group of Maryland state lawmakers is proposing that the Maryland Stadium Authority be given the responsibility of ensuring the state has a sufficient energy supply by building new power facilities or reopening old ones. The lawmakers say the MSA has the resources and capabilities to take on this task, and they have criticized what they see as a lack of leadership from Governor Wes Moore on the issue of rising energy costs and the threat of potential blackouts.

Why it matters

Maryland residents and businesses could face the prospect of rolling blackouts as soon as next year due to increased energy demand, which would have significant economic and quality of life impacts. The bipartisan plan aims to address this issue proactively by leveraging the resources and expertise of the Maryland Stadium Authority.

The details

Under the proposed bipartisan plan, the Maryland Stadium Authority would be tasked with building new power facilities or reopening old ones to boost the state's energy supply and prevent potential blackouts. Lawmakers say the MSA has the necessary manpower, staffing, offices, bonding authority, and other resources to take on this responsibility. However, they have criticized Governor Wes Moore for what they see as a lack of leadership on this issue, arguing that more urgent action is needed.

  • The General Assembly is looking to tackle this issue in the current legislative session in Annapolis.
  • Lawmakers warn that Maryland could face rolling blackouts as soon as next year due to increased energy demand.

The players

Maryland State Sen. Christopher West

A state senator representing parts of Baltimore and Carroll counties who is part of the bipartisan group proposing the plan.

Governor Wes Moore

The governor of Maryland, who has been criticized by lawmakers for a perceived lack of leadership on the issue of rising energy costs and the threat of potential blackouts.

Maryland Stadium Authority

The state agency that the bipartisan plan would task with building new power facilities or reopening old ones to boost Maryland's energy supply.

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What they’re saying

“The stadium authority has the manpower. They've got the staffing. They've got the offices. They have the bonding authority. They have everything they need to do this work. They just need to be charged to do it.”

— Maryland State Sen. Christopher West

“As soon as Maryland goes dark, as soon as it happens, the world is going to change. Absolutely. Everybody in Maryland is going to be focused on this like a laser beam. Simply pablum, dispensed by the governor, is no longer going to be sufficient. We're going to have to take action to solve this problem.”

— Maryland State Sen. Christopher West

What’s next

The bipartisan plan will be considered by the Maryland General Assembly during the current legislative session in Annapolis.

The takeaway

This bipartisan plan represents a proactive effort by Maryland lawmakers to address the growing threat of energy shortages and potential blackouts in the state. By leveraging the resources and capabilities of the Maryland Stadium Authority, the lawmakers aim to boost the state's energy supply and prevent the significant economic and quality of life impacts that widespread blackouts could have on Maryland residents and businesses.