Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit against the Grain Belt Express (GBE), a transmission line project that would span the northern portion of the state. The project is alleged to unlawfully seize land from Missouri property owners.
"Living and raising my family in rural Missouri has given me a deep respect for personal property rights. No one knows better how to use Missouri land than Missouri farmers, ranchers, and landowners," said Attorney General Bailey. "My neighbors are the legacy farmers and ranchers that sustain Missouri’s economy through livestock and agricultural production. I’m filing a motion to intervene to ensure Missouri farmers are not being strong-armed into giving up their land."
The GBE is an 800-mile transmission line intended to carry power from Kansas through northern Missouri and ending in Indiana. An offshoot of the GBE would run through Monroe, Audrain, and Callaway Counties. Nearly a quarter-of-a-million residents in these rural counties have opposed the project.
"Half of the counties that border my home in Montgomery County are destined to become pass-through counties for the Grain Belt Expressway and its Tiger Connector spur," continued Attorney General Bailey. "The project will be built and funded by well-heeled, out-of-state private interests on the hope that, someday, energy purchasers across the Midwest might want the power flowing through these lines. This business venture is not intended to benefit Missourians or our state."
Chuck Miller, President of the Missouri Cattleman’s Association, stated, "Andrew Bailey has consistently stood for private property rights in our state. His motion to intervene is yet another example of his efforts to protect the rights of landowners."
Monroe County Western District Commissioner Marilyn O’Bannon expressed appreciation for Bailey's support: "Monroe County commissioners appreciate the support of Attorney General Bailey intervening in this lawsuit."
The motion can be read here.