State House Committee hears pitch to restrict wind, solar power

by Fletcher Mantooth, Missouri News Network

Despite Wednesday’s snowy weather, the Missouri House of Representatives’ Special Committee on Rural Issues heard testimony on a bill that would prevent utility companies from using eminent domain to take land for solar or wind power.

Eminent domain involves an entity, such as the government or utility companies, taking private land for public use while providing “just compensation” to the landowner. Property owners can challenge eminent domain offers in court if they feel the offer is not just.

While use for wind or solar energy generation would be prohibited, House Bill 457 would still allow use of eminent domain for transmission lines.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Brad Pollitt, R-Sedalia, who proposed the bill to “close a loophole” he said would allow use of eminent domain. A similar bill passed the House last year but was never addressed by the Senate.

Lawmakers on the committee raised concerns about the exceptions made to allow eminent domain for transmission lines, citing concerns about “spider-webbing,” which are networks of power lines that could disrupt agricultural land use.

“These people do not want the lines across their property, I guarantee you,” said Rep. Kent Haden, R-Mexico, “nobody else would either.”

Everyone who testified was in support of the bill, with the exception of Zach Monroe, a legislative representative for Ameren Missouri, an energy company. He testified to provide information about Ameren’s process of maintaining and expanding the power grid.

Monroe assured the committee that the collection lines on private property will often be underground if the terrain permits, but then go above ground at transfer stations.

The Missouri Soybean Association and the Missouri Corn Growers Association testified in support of the bill for the protection of their private property.

Rep. Adrian Plank, D-Columbia, voiced his support for the goals outlined in the bill.

“You know, I’m a big clean energy supporter,” Plank said. “I don’t think we ought to be putting solar panels on farmland.”