Bill Would Require Earlier Notification for Infrastructure Projects

Legislation aims to ensure impacted landowners are informed earlier in the process

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A bill introduced by Maryland Delegate Chris Tomlinson would require earlier and clearer notification for landowners affected by major infrastructure projects like the Piedmont Reliability Project. The legislation is a response to complaints that many property owners learned about the plans through word of mouth and received little advance notice of public meetings.

Why it matters

The bill is intended to give residents more time to voice concerns about infrastructure projects before decisions are made. Supporters say the change would ensure affected people and property owners are notified at the earliest possible time to adequately participate in the process.

The details

The bill would require applicants seeking a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to notify impacted and neighboring property owners earlier in the process. The notice would also have to clearly explain how landowners can intervene and inform them of their right to do so. Failure to properly notify landowners could invalidate a public hearing and potentially void an application, forcing the process to restart.

  • The bill was introduced by Delegate Chris Tomlinson, R-District 5, who represents Frederick and Carroll counties.
  • The House Environment and Transportation Committee held a hearing on the bill.

The players

Chris Tomlinson

A Maryland state delegate representing Frederick and Carroll counties who introduced the bill.

Bert Wilson

A supporter of the bill and representative of Energy Artisans.

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What they’re saying

“The people most affected by these projects are often told last and are not told how they can engage.”

— Chris Tomlinson, Maryland State Delegate (wbal.com)

“This bill would ensure that affected people and property owners are notified at the earliest possible time in order to adequately voice their concerns in the proper forum.”

— Bert Wilson, Representative, Energy Artisans (wbal.com)

What’s next

If approved by the House Environment and Transportation Committee, the bill will advance to the full Maryland House of Delegates for consideration.

The takeaway

This bill aims to give impacted landowners more advance notice and a greater opportunity to participate in the public process for major infrastructure projects, addressing concerns that many property owners were left out of the loop in the past.