Missouri panel rejects “Grain Belt Express” wind power plan

The Missouri Public Service Commission yesterday voted down a Texas company's plan for a controversial $2.2 billion, 780-mile transmission line to carry wind power from the Kansas high plains across Missouri to eastern power grids.

The first-of-its kind project had been pushed by backers including environmentalists, as a major step in the fight for renewable energy against coal-fired power plants. The ''Grain Belt Express'' was also projected as a way to create jobs and provide low-cost electricity to consumers, including 200,000 homes in Missouri.

However, even as US energy policy supported increased wind power, it did not grant federal right of way to install power lines in the face of opposition from Missouri farmers who did not want it coming across their land.

The farmers agitated around the state, planting signs, organising meetings and built up public opinion.

The PSC yesterday voted 3-2 to deny Houston-based Clean Line Energy's application, saying the project was not needed. The accompanying order took due note of farmers' concerns over crops, pastures and manoeuvring large equipment around towers.

According to the order, evidence showed that ''actual benefits to the general public from the Project are outweighed by the burdens on affected landowners.''

According to the commissioners, Clean Line failed to prove a need for the project, or show that it was economically feasible and that it would have promoted public interests.

The decision yesterday could mark a significant challenge for Clean Line as Missouri sat in the middle of the path for the proposed power line, according to commentators.