El Paso County commissioners deny Xcel Energy 10-41 permit for Segment 5 of Colorado Pathway

El Paso County commissioners on July 24 voted 5-0 to deny Xcel Energy's request for an Areas and Activities of State Interest (10-41) permit to site 45 miles of 345-kilovolt, double-circuit overhead transmission line, known as Harvest Mile Segment 5 of the Colorado Pathway.

Why it matters: The decision blocks XcelEnergy's planned corridor across eastern El Paso County, where the company said the line would provide bulk transmission capacity for new generation across the state. Opponents warned the line and related development would increase wildfire risk, damage rural roads and alter long-standing ranch and farm landscapes.

The board explained its denial by citing concerns over public safety, conformance with the county master plan and uncertainty about long-term local impacts.

County staff introduced the application as a request for a 10-41 permit under El Paso Countyregulations to locate and construct a major public utility facility in unincorporated county land. Principal planner Carrie Parsons summarized technical materials and staff recommendations, describing a proposed 150-foot-wide right-of-way, temporary construction areas and an associated development agreement the applicant signed.

"This item is quasi-judicial," Parsons told the commission during the hearing, noting the board could consider only evidence in the hearing record. She also…