By Scout Nelson
The Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) has been actively engaged in the issue of the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) for nearly two years. Based on its grassroots policy, the organization has consistently opposed the NIETC process and both of the proposed corridors in Kansas.
One of KFB's primary concerns is the potential for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to override decisions made by state regulators. The organization believes that this would undermine the authority of state governments and could have negative consequences for landowners and businesses.
Another major concern is the use of eminent domain within the proposed corridors. KFB believes that landowners should have the right to refuse to sell their property for the project, even if it is deemed to be in the public interest.
The KFB has also voiced concerns about the 5-mile width of the proposed Midwest-Plains corridor, which overlaps the path of the already-approved Grain Belt Express transmission line. The organization believes that this wide corridor could have significant impacts on landowners and agricultural operations.
In response to feedback from KFB and other stakeholders, Invenergy, the company behind the Midwest-Plains corridor, has submitted a request to the Department of Energy (DOE) to reduce the width of the proposed corridor to a half-mile span. KFB is hopeful that DOE will consider these requests and take action to mitigate the potential impacts of the project.
The KFB will continue to engage with all relevant entities to either eliminate the proposed NIETC designations in Kansas or make them as narrow as possible. The organization remains committed to protecting the interests of Kansas farmers and landowners.
Photo Credit:kansas-farm-bureau
Categories: Kansas, General, Government & Policy