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Resident warns of eminent-domain claims over Xcel Energy project; chairman defends county-approved solar plan
Summary
A public commenter alleged Xcel Energy is pursuing eminent-domain actions and that affected landowners face legal and financial pressure; the meeting chairman defended a county-approved solar project, citing reliability, jobs and county revenue and said the board is considering an advisory committee.
Carrie Giblets, who identified herself as a resident and referenced "Elbert County Environmental Law," told the board she believes Xcel Energy is pursuing eminent-domain actions tied to a proposed power pathway and that many landowners are under economic strain opposing the project.
"Xcel Energy...is beginning imminent domain proceedings against Elbert County citizens," she said, and later cited a report she said shows utilities may profit from infrastructure buildouts. Giblets urged the board to "please protect the rights of Elbert County's land owners from this forcible taking of our land for Xcel's profits."
Why this matters: The comments framed local opposition to a regional energy transmission project and raised legal and property-rights concerns for county residents who live in the project footprint. The board did not take formal action on the comment.
Following public comment, the chairman used his privilege to address criticism and defend a separate, county-approved solar project. The chairman said the project will help reliability and reduce the risk of rolling blackouts and predicted it would create "about 200 plus jobs during the construction phase" and some permanent positions afterward. He also said the county would receive revenue from the solar farm that could be used on local infrastructure, and that the county plans to form an advisory committee that includes local residents to oversee aesthetics and access-road standards.
The chairman also warned that threatening phone calls to his home would prompt him to contact law enforcement. "The next call comes in, I'm going to contact the sheriff's office and we're gonna prosecute the individuals," he said.
The board did not vote or adopt a new policy regarding the transmission line or the solar project during the meeting. The chairman said aesthetics and access-road standards for the solar site will be coordinated with county staff and that an advisory committee is under consideration.
