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Committee backs memorial urging DOE to consult and limit impacts of proposed grid corridor
Summary
A memorial opposing the proposed Southwestern Grid Connector corridor — citing a 5–15 mile potential width, eminent domain concerns, and poor federal outreach — received broad rural testimony and a committee 'do pass' recommendation after senators pressed for better federal engagement and protections for landowners.
The Senate Conservation Committee recommended approval of a memorial urging careful handling of the Department of Energy’s proposed Southwestern Grid Connector transmission corridor, citing concerns from ranchers and county officials that the corridor could impose widespread private‑land impacts if exercised with eminent domain.
Sponsor Senator Woods and co‑sponsor Senator Boone said the corridor, as presented, could be 5 to 15 miles wide across large swaths of Eastern New Mexico and could threaten family farms, ranches and county tax bases. "Many of our constituents ... are in great concern because this had been announced and they couldn't get any answers," Boone said.
Ranchers and county officials told the committee they were surprised by minimal outreach and short public notice windows; witnesses described how county commissioners have sought meetings with DOE and received little response. "The DOE and FERC are proposing to take our land, our homes, our assets ... surreptitiously and without recourse," testified Sally Harris Werner, a fourth‑generation rancher.
Committee members debated the tradeoffs: Senator Scott noted the need to move renewable energy from windy generation areas, while others emphasized inadequate federal engagement and potential impacts on private property values, tax rolls and agricultural livelihoods. Questions included whether the corridor would be an easement, an acquisition of property, or whether federal condemnation authority would be used.
After amendments to emphasize negotiation rather than seizure and to request further federal consultation, the committee recorded a 'do pass' recommendation on the memorial as amended.
