By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) is urging state lawmakers to strengthen private property protections as they review the impact of proposed 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines across Texas.
In written testimony submitted last week to the Texas Senate Business & Commerce Committee, the organization called for greater scrutiny of new extra-high-voltage transmission projects and stronger safeguards for landowners whose farms, ranches and rural properties could be affected.
“The scale and permanence of 765-kV transmission infrastructure require careful scrutiny to ensure that landowner rights are adequately protected and that projects are truly necessary before private property is burdened through the transmission siting process,” the testimony stated.
TFB supports maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid to meet the needs of the state’s growing population and economy. But the organization argued projects of this size should move forward only after the Public Utility Commission of Texas determines they are necessary, cost-effective and the least intrusive option available.
TFB also urged lawmakers to ensure all reasonable alternatives are fully evaluated before approving new transmission corridors.
Those potential alternatives include:
- upgrades to existing transmission infrastructure;
- reconductoring or capacity enhancements on existing facilities;
- advanced grid technologies and operational improvements;
- targeted substation enhancements;
- phased transmission development as demand materializes;
- demand response programs;
- energy storage resources; and
- localized generation solutions.
“A 765-kV transmission line requires substantial right-of-way acreage and can permanently affect the use and productivity of agricultural land,” TFB’s testimony said. “Such projects may interfere with farming and ranching operations, irrigation systems, aerial application activities, pasture management and future improvements to the property.”
Texas landowners have raised concerns about losing productive farmland, fragmenting farms and ranches, limiting future land use, reducing property values and changing rural landscapes.
The organization encouraged lawmakers to strengthen transparency throughout the transmission planning and permitting process by requiring earlier notice to affected landowners, allowing more time to review proposed routes and placing greater emphasis on agricultural productivity, property values and future land use when evaluating projects. It also urged routing decisions that minimize impacts on homes, businesses, farms, ranches and rural communities.
“As Texas continues to invest in electric infrastructure necessary to support statewide growth, policymakers must ensure that the benefits of new transmission projects are balanced against the significant and permanent impacts imposed on private property owners.”
After the hearing, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and State Sen. Charles Schwertner issued statements calling for the Public Utility Commission to deny all pending applications for 765-kV transmission lines, and not consider re-applications, until the transmission companies can address the serious concerns raised by landowners at the hearing.
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