Last Friday, the Public Utility Commission of Texas approved the two segments that make up the Northern high voltage 765 transmission line defying opposition from hundreds of landowners, bipartisan Legislative members, statewide officials, the Attorney General of Texas, and a broad coalition of energy producers, ranchers and property owners.
On the same day, Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas filed an amicus brief supporting American Stewards’ motion to abate and recommended the “PUC delay any further action until the 90th Legislature can review its scope, costs, and impact of private landowners and provide clear policy guidance.” He also issued a public statement supporting American Stewards of Liberty’s arguments.
The week prior, Texas Public Policy Foundation led a coalition of Texas landowners and Oil and Gas companies supporting ASL’s motion to abate, highlighting the widespread opposition to the project.
“This fight isn’t over. We intervened in all five segments of the proposed 765 kV transmission line project and we intend to appeal the latest PUC’s decision extending it into the next Legislative Session,” stated Margaret Byfield, Executive Director of ASL.
American Stewards of Liberty Prepares Legal Challenge After PUC Approves Two 765-kV Transmission Lines
Statement from Margaret Byfield, Executive Director, American Stewards of Liberty:
“The Public Utility Commission’s vote was a setback for Texas landowners, but this fight is far from over.
“American Stewards of Liberty participated in these proceedings from the beginning to protect landowners and preserve every avenue for judicial review. With final orders now issued in two cases, ASL will seek rehearing and prepare for the next stage of this fight in court.
“The PUC moved forward despite extraordinary opposition from hundreds of landowners, bipartisan lawmakers, statewide officials, the Attorney General of Texas, and a broad coalition of energy producers, ranchers and property owners.
“The Commission also moved forward despite serious problems in the record itself. Administrative Law Judges have already found in one of the related 765-kV cases that the applicants failed to prove need and that the greater weight of credible evidence cut against ERCOT’s recommendation. At the same time, landowners and independent groups have documented serious due-process concerns about forcing projects of this scale through an expedited 180-day process.”
“The Commission’s vote is not the last word. ASL built its case knowing this fight could move beyond the PUC, and we are prepared for that fight now.
“We will use every lawful avenue available to challenge these orders, defend private property rights, and prevent this unprecedented transmission buildout from becoming irreversible.”
For background on the PUC’s latest decision read the Texas Scorecard story.
