The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) has rejected Clean Line Energy's proposal for the Grain Belt Express, a proposed 750-mile overhead, direct-current transmission line that is expected to transmit power to 200,000 Missouri homes annually.
In a 3-2 decision, the PSC took into account farmers' concerns about crops and moving equipment around towers. Clean Line plans to appeal the decision. Hearings are scheduled to begin in November.
‘There appears to be some confusion at the Missouri PSC about how the project will benefit Missourians,’ according to the Clean Line Energy Partners company statement. ‘This project is needed to move Missouri and our nation to a cleaner, more modern energy mix. After we review the commission's order, we look forward to further clarifying all of the benefits the project will bring to Missouri.’
Clean Line says the Grain Belt Express will create thousands of manufacturing and construction jobs and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue to benefit schools and other community services. The company has already been lining up service providers to help with the project.
