93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
The Missouri Public Service Commission is holding hearings this week on Clean Line’s proposed Grain Belt Express. It would run wind power from Kansas thru the state of Missouri using overhead transmission lines.
Clean Line chairman Michael Skelly says the project would bring down utility bills.
“It is amazing how quickly the cost of renewable energy is dropping,” Skelly said at Tuesday’s hearing, according to Missourinet. “Wind turbines are getting bigger and bigger, and that allows for greater energy capture with a similar investment.”
Opponents like Brent Haden with Missouri Farm Bureau says the state would not benefit enough. Plus, farmers would be forced to lose their property to the power poles thru eminent domain.
“To then turn around and fight a battle with a corporation who’s taken that land, who shouldn’t have that right or privilege to begin with,” Haden said, according to Missourinet.
Grain Belt would cross our area north of I-70 in Chariton, southern Randolph, and Monroe counties. It’s been rejected a couple times in recent years.
