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Clovis leaders secure Department of Energy commitment to local briefings on proposed transmission corridor
Summary
City officials met with Department of Energy staff in Washington, D.C., to press for local briefings and public engagement after maps showing a potential National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NITC) raised concerns about property rights, airport airspace and lack of local coordination.
Mayor Mike Morris and city staff said they met Department of Energy transmission officials in Washington, D.C., to press for clearer communication and local briefings after a proposed National Interest Transmission Corridor map appeared to cover a large portion of Clovis.
Morris said the DOE agreed to provide a briefing for local and state leaders and to hold a follow-up public engagement event "before the NITC designation would move forward." He told the commission the public-comment period then open would influence what DOE does next.
The meeting, Morris said, clarified the federal process: DOE is at stage 3 of 4 toward a possible corridor designation. The remaining steps include public engagement informed by comment, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review and a draft report; designation would mark an ‘‘ideal location’’ for transmission lines, not an alignment or authorization to build.
Morris and City Manager Mr. Hovalt told DOE officials the city’s priorities include respect for private property rights, coordination with Cannon Air Force Base and Clovis Regional Airport about airspace, and more precise mapping. Morris said DOE staff affirmed they would not bypass required state and local processes for easement acquisition if a corridor were later designated.
DOE staff told the delegation they have received large volumes of public comment and that the agency is considering those comments as it plans next steps, Morris said. He warned the city cannot know the program’s pace, noting DOE travel restrictions and uncertainty about federal priorities could delay in-person engagement.
Morris and Mr. Hovalt said federal funding referenced in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) exists for corridor-related projects but that funding availability, appropriation and project-level approvals remain significant hurdles. DOE staff also confirmed developers have expressed interest in building inside any corridor, and any developer would still have to follow NEPA and other permitting processes.
Morris said the city will press DOE to conduct the promised local briefing and public engagement and will hold DOE to commitments made during the meeting.
"We insist upon respect for private property rights," Morris said in the commission chambers, summarizing his request to DOE. "They agreed to that as well."
