Kansas GOP Fights Federal Transmission Line Authorit

The Facts -

• • Kansas GOP reps back a bill to limit federal control over private land for transmission lines.

• • The bill aims to prevent federal override of state rejections and protect landowners.

• • Sen. Moran argues the bill stops DOE from bypassing state regulators and infringing on land rights.

Kansas Republicans Support Bill to Limit Federal Land Seizure for Transmission Projects

TOPEKA — Four Kansas Republican congressional members backed legislation on Friday to restrict federal authority over private property for national electric transmission corridors.

U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes, along with U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, support a bill that bans federal funding from condemning private property for National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. This bill also stops the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from overriding state regulators' rejections.

Joe Newland, Kansas Farm Bureau president, said this legislation promotes fair negotiations with landowners on transmission line siting and building. Farm Bureau policy endorses reliable, low-cost electricity and expanded transmission capacity.

"Without protections in this legislation, landowners will face ultimatums from transmission developers using taxpayer dollars," Newland stated.

Moran initiated this legislation because the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed by President Biden, allows FERC to issue permits for transmission lines despite state denials.

A DOE map shows potential corridor sections from southwest Kansas to its northeast corner, partially following the Grain Belt Express transmission line, which has faced opposition from farm groups and landowners.

In May, the U.S. Department of Energy released a preliminary list of potential National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. This list is part of phase two, opening a 45-day public comment period that ended on June 24.

Mann criticized DOE's phase two announcement as underpublicized and vague, leaving landowners uncertain about impacts on their property.

"Any land given to the federal government for this project should be voluntary, not mandated," Mann emphasized.

Estes said the bill ensures federal respect for Kansas landowners' rights, foundational to their way of life.

Moran asserted the 45-day comment period was too short and that the bill would prevent DOE from infringing on Kansas landowners' rights or state regulatory authority.

Marshall added that Biden administration bureaucrats should not have unchecked authority to approve such projects, stating land use decisions should be made by states.

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