Wes Moore’s Energy Illusion: How Maryland Became Dependent on Its Neighbors
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has spent the better part of his term basking in the glow of progressive praise for his "green energy" policies — touting wind farms, electrification mandates, and climate justice talking points as if they alone could power a state. But when the heat rises — literally — the illusion melts fast.
Enter Pennsylvania, the reluctant hero.
As a brutal summer heat wave rolls through the Mid-Atlantic, Marylanders crank up their air conditioners, blissfully unaware that the electricity flowing into their homes isn't coming from the solar panels or wind turbines Governor Moore loves to pose in front of. No, it’s coming from the very fossil-fuel-powered grid that Moore and his administration claim to be phasing out.
And where is that energy coming from?
Mostly Pennsylvania.
State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill of Pennsylvania delivered a fiery — and accurate — reminder this week:
“Just a friendly note to our 'green energy' neighbor — Maryland: You're welcome. During this heat wave, Maryland consumers demand a lot more energy than it generates. If it was not for Pennsylvania — it would be lights out and air conditioning off.”
She also called out the absurdity of Maryland forcing her constituents in Southern York County to give up prime farmland just to construct transmission lines. That’s right — while Moore virtue-signals about renewable energy, he’s relying on Pennsylvania’s reliable baseload power and using their land to support his fantasy.
The Map Doesn’t Lie
The PJM Interconnection state import/export map tells the story Wes Moore doesn’t want to: Maryland is a net energy importer — and not just by a small margin. On hot days, the state's green-tinted policies turn red-hot with hypocrisy, pulling in large chunks of power from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. These are the very states Maryland’s political class loves to look down upon for refusing to bow to the green agenda.
Moore’s Green Mirage
This isn't just a case of Moore overpromising. It’s a case of Moore misleading. Maryland’s energy portfolio is now on shaky ground. By pushing for the early retirement of fossil fuel plants and betting the house on unreliable sources like offshore wind (which still doesn’t meaningfully exist), Moore has created a dangerous dependence on neighboring states with more pragmatic energy policies.
Let’s be clear: energy independence is national security. It’s also economic stability. What Moore has created instead is energy dependency, wrapped in a press release and sold as progress.
At What Cost?
The consequences of this policy-driven delusion include:
Higher energy costs for Maryland families.
More strain on Pennsylvania infrastructure — without thanks.
Lost Maryland jobs in fossil energy sectors.
Reduced reliability in Maryland’s grid during weather extremes.
Oh, and let’s not forget: the same farmers Moore claims to support are now being told to hand over their land for transmission corridors so that Maryland can pretend to be clean and green — using Pennsylvania’s power.
The Bottom Line
It’s time for Maryland to stop pretending and start producing. Governor Wes Moore needs to drop the Instagram filters, step off the campaign trail, and do the hard work of governing — which includes acknowledging that reliable, affordable energy doesn’t come from fantasy, slogans, or subsidies.
Until then, maybe he should send Pennsylvania a thank-you card. Or better yet, a check.
🧭 Related Resource:
See Maryland’s Energy Dependency for Yourself (PJM State Import/Export Map)