Maryland faces scrutiny over delayed enforcement of gas pipeline safety rules

Why Maryland’s gas pipeline fight matters

Maryland is in the middle of a debate that could affect utility bills, public safety, and the future of natural gas service. A state law passed in 2025 was meant to change how gas pipeline replacement projects are approved, but consumer advocates say those changes have not been fully enforced.

The disagreement has now reached the courts, putting regulators, gas companies, and consumer groups under the spotlight. Here is a closer look at what is happening and why many residents are paying attention.

A new law changed the rules

Lawmakers approved the Next Generation Energy Act in 2025 after concerns grew about the rising cost of replacing gas pipelines. The law was designed to make utilities provide stronger evidence before moving ahead with major replacement projects.

Companies are now expected to show that planned work improves safety, benefits customers, and takes possible alternatives into account. Supporters believe these extra steps could help prevent unnecessary spending.

Consumer advocates raise concerns

The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel says the new law has not changed how pipeline projects are being handled. The office argues that regulators continue to approve work much like they did before the law took effect.

People’s Counsel David Lapp believes the reforms were intended to slow unnecessary infrastructure spending. His office has now challenged the Public Service Commission’s approach through a court appeal.

Why the court challenge happened

The legal appeal centers on one main argument. Consumer advocates believe the Public Service Commission should already be applying the 2025 law instead of waiting for new regulations.

Lapp says state agencies can follow a law as soon as it becomes effective. In his view, delaying enforcement until detailed rules are finished goes against what lawmakers intended.

Regulators say more guidance is needed

The Public Service Commission has taken a different approach. Commissioners began a formal rulemaking process to create detailed guidance for gas companies and other stakeholders.

Chairman Kumar Barve said the commission wants to hear from utilities, consumer groups, and other interested parties before finalizing the regulations. Draft rules are expected by the end of July.

Little-known fact: Maryland’s Public Service Commission has regulated utilities in the state since 1910.

Washington Gas defends its projects

Washington Gas says safety and affordability remain its top priorities. The company points to its federally required infrastructure safety program and says replacing aging pipelines helps maintain a highly reliable gas system.

The utility also argues that many of its long-term projects were approved before the 2025 law was passed. It believes those earlier approvals should continue while the new regulations are being developed.

The debate over pipeline costs

Supporters of the law say replacing pipelines can be expensive for customers because utilities recover project costs through monthly bills. Companies may also earn an approved return on those investments.

Consumer advocates argue that this system can encourage more replacement work than necessary. They want stronger reviews to make sure every major project delivers clear value to customers.

Why monthly bills matter

Natural gas customers do not just pay for the fuel they use. A large part of their monthly bill also covers the cost of maintaining and upgrading the delivery system.

Advocates say infrastructure spending has grown enough that delivery charges now make up a significant share of many bills. That is one reason lawmakers focused on pipeline replacement practices.

Fun fact: The United States has about 3 million miles of natural gas pipelines serving homes and businesses.

The long term financial picture

According to the Office of People’s Counsel, Maryland gas utilities have already invested billions of dollars through the STRIDE program. More spending is expected over the coming decades if current plans continue.

The office also says customers could still be paying for today’s pipeline projects many years after construction is complete. Those long repayment periods have become a major concern for consumer groups.

The STRIDE law stays in focus

Much of the current debate traces back to Maryland’s 2013 STRIDE law. That law allows utilities to receive advance approval for certain pipeline replacement programs.

Some lawmakers and advocacy groups wanted STRIDE repealed during recent legislative sessions. They argued that the system makes it easier for utilities to move expensive projects forward than under earlier rules.

Lawmakers expected faster action

Delegate Elizabeth Embry, who sponsored the 2025 legislation, says the law became effective soon after it was passed. She questioned why regulators waited many months before beginning the formal rulemaking process.

Supporters of the measure believe the new standards should already influence project approvals. That disagreement is now one of the central issues before the court.

Utilities seek clearer standards

Gas companies say they support having clear rules before making major changes to how projects are reviewed. They argue that practical guidance will help everyone understand exactly what is required.

Industry representatives also say replacement work cannot become so complicated that essential safety projects are delayed. They want regulations that protect customers while remaining workable in the field.

Explore why rising living costs are putting added pressure on Maryland families and the local organizations working to support them.

What happens next

The court challenge and the ongoing rulemaking process will likely shape how Maryland reviews gas pipeline projects in the years ahead. The outcome could influence future utility investments and the pace of infrastructure upgrades.

For customers, the biggest questions involve balancing safe, reliable service with affordable monthly bills. As new regulations take shape, many people will be watching to see how the state’s energy policies continue to evolve.

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Do you think stricter oversight could help keep utility costs in check? Share your thoughts.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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