The Iowa Utilities Board has dealt another blow to a proposed $2 billion transmission line that would carry Iowa wind energy to Illinois.  The board voted to deny Rock Island Clean Line Energy’s request to split the case into two hearings.  The Board is standing by its plan to decide whether or not to approve the wind project line and whether to grant the use of eminent domain in one hearing.  Preservation of Rural Iowa Alliance President Carolyn Sheridan says it’s big win for farmers and ranchers.

 

She says had the request been approved and two hearings held, it would have put unneeded costs and an additional burden on landowners.

 

Sheridan says the ball is in Rock Island Clean Line’s court to decide if they will proceed with further Utilities Board hearings.

 

Sheridan says this is the third time Rock Island Clean Line has failed to get two hearings for their project.

A Clean Line Energy spokeswoman says the company is reviewing the Utilities Board’s decision and evaluating its next steps.