Transmission Lines & Wind Farms
Transmission Lines & Wind Farms
Recent legislation calls for the Public Utility Commission to transport wind energy from central/west Texas through the Hill Country to the I-35 corridor — but at what cost? Many Hill Country landowners have expressed concern about the effects of large transmission towers on or near their property. Entities such as the LCRA, who will be constructing these lines, will have the power to use eminent domain to secure easements. This is an ongoing process in which Hill Country landowners must have a voice.
HCA promotes fair compensation, a thoughtful, inclusive process for landowners and careful planning to minimize the adverse effects of the lines. Below you’ll find articles, links to citizen organizations and helpful documents. Scenic Texas says it well: “We believe that growth is inevitable, but ugliness is not.”
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions from Braun and Gresham
The Clearview Alliance (CVA) was an organization established to advocate for the least destructive path in the Hill Country when the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) was introduced and massive transmission lines were being routed through the Hill Country. While the CVA organization no longer exists, HCA is now hosting their website which contains valuable resources, briefs, testimony, maps and news related to this issue. See http://www.clearviewalliance.org.
Recent Transmission Line & Wind Farm News
Why a Chinese billionaire bought 140,000 acres of land in Texas
On June 7, Texas governor Greg Abbott sat down at a desk in the state capitol and, flanked by a half-dozen lawmakers, put pen to paper for a ceremonial signing of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act. “As far as I know this is the first law of its kind by any...
Texas could give landowners more say in eminent domain negotiations under bill sent to Greg Abbott’s desk
The Texas Legislature approved a bill early Thursday that will revise eminent domain negotiations between landowners and companies — such as railroads, pipeline and utility companies — that are seeking to condemn land, requiring that landowners be given the terms of...
Energy company develops ultrasonic device to keep bats away from Texas windfarms
An energy company is taking steps to protect bats from windmills. Research shows hundreds of thousands are killed every year. There's new technology to keep this from happening. The Mexican free-tailed bats fly in the millions at their peak. They’re the state's...
Kinder Morgan mobilizes for pipeline construction in Central Texas; opponents prepare to sue
After more than a year of community meetings, negotiations, resolutions and legal action, the pipeline company Kinder Morgan is getting ready to begin construction on the Permian Highway Pipeline in Central Texas—at least if legal challenges do not stop it. Work has...