News

MO Farm Bureau against wind energy line

The Missouri Farm Bureau has submitted written testimony to the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) – opposing a proposed wind-energy generated electric transmission line.

The proposed Grain Belt Express Clean Line would stretch from Kansas – eastward. Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst tells Brownfield the line would cut clear across north Missouri, “I tell you, the opposition from landowners up there is just very intense and nearly unanimous. They are really opposed to this project and so, hopefully, we’ll get it stopped.”

The project is seeking eminent domain rights from the PSC but Hurst says there’s opposition from all over the state. Hurst says, “It’s hard to see how Missourians benefit. But, our members that are gonna lose their land to these huge transmission towers are certainly going to be harmed. So, we thought the benefit to cost ratio was anywhere close to being met.”

Hurst says there’s been an offer to sell some of that energy in the state but it would mostly be “transiting” Missouri.  Hurst farms in Northwest Missouri.

AUDIO:  Interview with Blake Hurst (3:00 mp3)