The Illinois Farm Bureau opposed the energy bill that passed the state House and Senate during the last week. IFB Director of State Legislation Kevin Semlow says Grain Belt Express is getting eminent domain authority. Eminent domain gives the company leverage as it works to build an energy transmission line across central Illinois.
Opponents of eminent domain say the private company should negotiate with the thousands of property owners whose land it would put power lines across. The company says it’s providing a service the public needs, is creating jobs, and pays property owners fairly.
Information from FarmWeek Now which is owned by the Illinois Farm Bureau