The scrapping of the controversial regional transmission line across northern Oklahoma by the U.S. Department of Energy drew rapid response by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
In a release from his office, it was pointed out that the DOE decision came just a day after Drummond and Speaker-elect Kyle Hilbert voiced their opposition to the project. Both leaders cited conversations with senior department officials informing them of the cancellation.
Drummond hailed the decision and thanked Speaker-elect Hilbert for his leadership on the issue.
“I am very thankful that countless Oklahoma landowners no longer live under the tyrannical threat of federal eminent domain,” said the Attorney General. “Speaker Hilbert’s leadership in this issue was truly impactful, and the property owners in his district and all along the proposed corridor should be grateful for his efforts.”
Drummond issued a letter Thursday to U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm outlining his stern opposition to the plan
“The proposed corridor will undoubtedly have a negative effect on property owners’ livelihoods,” he wrote. “The threat of Federal Eminent Domain to property owners is classic Federal overreach. Representing all Oklahomans, I will not sit idly by and allow it to proceed without exercising all lawful measures to protect the private property rights of our Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.”
Known as the Delta-Plains National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor, it is one of several proposed corridors across the U.S. intended to expand the nation’s power grid. It would have stretched from the western panhandle through the Arkansas border, measuring up to 18 miles in width along the way.
Drummond’s letter of opposition can be read here.
