News

MO Farm Bureau alarmed by court decision

The Missouri Farm Bureau is alarmed by a state Supreme Court decision that opens the door to possible condemnation of farm land. Leslie Holloway, Farm Bureau’s regulatory affairs director in Jefferson City, tells Brownfield the court will allow the state Public Service Commission to reconsider its denial of Clean Line Energy’s “Grain Belt Express” wind power project across the state of Missouri, “We think that this really opens the door for granting the power of eminent domain to many other types of projects that have never before been considered eligible to be able to go out and condemn private property.” Holloway explains that the case upon which the original PSC decision was made was based on another court case that the PSC felt was applicable in this case.

Holloway says the staff that advised the PSC originally determined the private project did not meet the necessary criteria, “The staff said that the need for the project had not been demonstrated through the information that had been provided. As well as economic feasibility, they questioned. And then, lastly, they questioned whether it is in fact in the public interest. If it meets that criteria.”

Holloway says the power of eminent domain and condemnation has always been used sparingly and for the benefit of the public at-large. Five-hundred landowners reside along the Grain Belt path in Missouri. The project is planned through Kansas, Missouri and Illinois.

Statement by Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst

AUDIO: Interview with Leslie Holloway ~