In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed five-mile-wide national transmission corridor that could impact local landowners. The corridor, which is said to follow the existing Bridal Belt Express line, has sparked fears about federal eminent domain potentially bypassing state regulatory processes. Local officials and residents expressed frustration over a lack of communication from federal representatives, with many claiming they were left uninformed about the project.
One speaker highlighted the vagueness of reports from the Department of Energy, questioning the rationale behind the five-mile designation and suggesting it aligns with the Biden administration's \"30 by 30\" initiative, which aims to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. Concerns were also raised about the health implications of high-voltage transmission lines, with landowners feeling neglected in the decision-making process.
The meeting attendees urged the commission to take proactive measures to protect landowner rights, including drafting a letter to the Department of Energy expressing their concerns. They also discussed the possibility of implementing a moratorium on wind and fire lines until a comprehensive planning commission could be established.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by the impending deadline for public comments, prompting calls for an extension to ensure that community voices are heard. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for better transparency and communication regarding federal projects that could significantly affect local communities.