Illinois Landowners Challenge Grain Belt Express Approval

Associated Press

PITTSFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Farm Bureau and a group of landowners are challenging the state's approval of a 780-mile electricity transmission line that would stretch from Kansas to Indiana.

The Illinois Commerce Commission in November gave regulatory approval to the Grain Belt Express, a high-voltage electric transmission line that would provide wind power.

The (Quincy) Herald-Whig reports the Illinois agriculture group and other project opponents have filed a request with the state to reconsider its decision.

Blake Roderick of the Pike County Farm Bureau tells the newspaper that Texas-based Clean Line Energy Partners did not meet state requirements for an expedited review of the project. The company is seeking its own clarification of the commerce commission order.

The Grain Belt Express has won approval in Kansas and Indiana. Missouri regulators have blocked the effort.

Tags:electricity

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