Landowners have expressed their outrage over a recent motion filed by Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) regarding a proposed 67-mile transmission line. The motion seeks to prohibit property owners from hunting on their land during specific days when PSEG intends to conduct surveys and examinations, as authorized by the court.
A spokesperson for PSEG explained that the motion was prompted by concerns raised from online comments made by landowners about potential hunting activity during survey operations, which could pose safety risks to survey crews in the field. As part of the motion, PSEG requested that landowners inform them before hunting, receiving permission for the activity.
Joanne Frederick, President of STOP MPRP, criticized the move as another insult to landowners who have already been enduring challenges due to the proposed project. She emphasized the importance of hunting traditions for many residents, not only as a recreational activity but also as a means for food sustenance. Frederick suggested that PSEG could easily wait until after hunting season to conduct their surveys without imposing additional burdens on property owners.
Debbie Hattery, a landowner from Frederick County, voiced her confusion over PSEG’s motion. She pointed out that the company had previously been able to conduct surveys around hunting regulations on her property. Hattery suggested that PSEG may be seeking judicial intervention in disputes rather than resolving issues directly with landowners.
In addition to the hunting-related motion, PSEG has filed other documents alleging that residents have violated court orders and threatened survey crews. One instance mentioned involved a property owner who allegedly brandished a baseball bat towards surveyors, while another landowner reportedly used vulgar language when addressing the survey team.
Frederick highlighted the mounting frustration among residents, urging state officials, particularly the governor, to take a firm stance in support of landowners’ rights. She noted, “Threatening violence does not do anyone any good,” acknowledging the significant emotional toll that the situation is taking on the community.
As the situation unfolds, the court has yet to reach a decision on PSEG’s recent motion. The ongoing tension between developers and landowners underlines a broader debate about community rights and the impact of infrastructure development on local traditions and livelihoods.