Opposition to a high-voltage power transmission line coming through Illinois says it’s “undaunted” by last week’s state approval of the project.
The Illinois Commerce Commission on Thursday approved the Grain Belt Express route through the state, which would include Greene and Scott Counties. The project will carry wind power from Kansas to Indiana as part of a 780-mile line.
In a press release issued on Thursday, members of the “Block Grain Belt Express” group say they’re more determined than ever to continue their fight.
Group president John Buchman, of Macoupin County, says, “It is imperative for members of the opposition to remain united in our common goal of preserving property rights.”
The statement also says, “Several landowner groups, and the Illinois Farm Bureau, have been educating the public… their mission is to prevent the precedent of a private company gaining access to eminent domain authority for a project that benefits other states.”
The project must still be approved by Missouri. It has been approved by all of the other states involved.