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Only MO Farmers Remain in Path of Power Line Project

By Associated Press

12/13/2015

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A $2.2 billion, 780-mile transmission line designed to carry wind power from the high plains of Kansas to eastern power grids has gotten approval from regulators in three of the four states where the line is planned, but Missouri farmers are vowing to make sure their state doesn't climb aboard.

The Kansas City Star reports Illinois regulators recently voted to approve the Grain Belt Express, joining Kansas and Indiana.

The Missouri Public Service Commission denied Clean Line Energy's application in July, saying the project wasn't needed. The accompanying order noted farmers' concerns about crops, pastures and difficulties in maneuvering large equipment around towers.

Grain Belt Express is touted as a first-of-its-kind project and a major step in the fight for renewable energy against coal-fired power plants. Clean Line says it will provide low-cost electricity to consumers, including 200,000 homes in Missouri.

Chambers of commerce, labor unions and national environmental groups such as the Sierra Club support the project, noting the benefits of renewable energy, cleaner air, better health, tax dollars and jobs.

Clean Line has appealed for a rehearing before Missouri regulators, and project director mark Lawlor said the Illinois approval boosted Grain Belt's chances.

But Missouri farmers have made it clear they don't want Grain Belt.

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