Attorney General Gentner Drummond has expressed opposition to a proposed 645-mile electric transmission corridor by the U.S. Department of Energy, which would traverse Oklahoma from the panhandle to the Arkansas border. The Delta-Plains National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor is among several initiatives aimed at expanding the nation's power grid but remains in the proposal stage.
Drummond voiced concerns that the project could negatively impact Oklahoma property owners without offering benefits to the state, which is already a net energy producer. "The threat of Federal Eminent Domain to property owners is classic federal overreach," Drummond stated in a letter addressed to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. He further emphasized his commitment to protecting private property rights, particularly for Oklahoma's farmers and ranchers.
In support of this stance, Drummond acknowledged Oklahoma House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert's resolution filed today, advocating for all possible legislative measures to block the corridor's establishment within Oklahoma.
The proposed corridor would vary in width from 4 to 18 miles as it crosses through the state. The Department of Energy is anticipated to finalize its decision on selected corridors soon.