Energy company to refocus on Missouri for transmission line

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Developers of a proposed $2 billion transmission line say they are returning their attention to Missouri after Illinois regulators approved the multistate project.

The Columbia Daily Tribune (http://bit.ly/1YeGltf) reports Clean Line Energy will try again to persuade Missouri regulators to approve the 780-mile Grain Belt Express transmission line that would carry wind-generated electricity from Kansas through Missouri and Illinois to Indiana.

Clean Line says the project will modernize the power grid, promote competition in local energy markets, and help Missouri achieve voter-mandated goals for renewable energy.

Illinois officials gave their approval Thursday. Missouri's Public Service Commission voted in July to deny Clean Line's application for a certificate of need and public necessity, a step necessary to carry wind energy from the plains across Missouri. The commission said developers didn't provide evidence the project would benefit Missouri.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the transmission line project.

Chamber President Daniel Mehan said in a news release that Missouri businesses "stand behind Clean Line's efforts to invest in Missouri's clean energy future."

Mark Lawlor with the Grain Belt project said officials haven't decided whether to file a new case with the commission or pursue the project through federal energy regulations.

"We're very optimistic that we can advance the project," Lawlor said.

Grass-roots group Block Grain Belt Express remains opposed to the project. The group's president Dave Buchman, said in a news release that the group was "undaunted" by the decision made by Illinois regulators. He said that while the decision was disappointing, it was not unexpected.

According to Buchman, the group may join an effort to appeal the Illinois Commerce Commission's action, claiming the commission violated state law by allowing Clean Line to file its case under an expedited permitting process for public utilities. Clean Line was not a public utility in Illinois.


Information from: Columbia Daily Tribune, http://www.columbiatribune.com