Rock Island Clean Line project approved

“A controversial high-voltage power line project was granted approval for construction in La Salle County and throughout Illinois, but local property owners still have the right to deny easement offers made by Clean Line Energy.

Illinois Commerce Commission announced Tuesday the Houston, Texas-based energy company has been granted a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct and operate the Illinois portion of a new 500-mile direct current electric power line.

The power line path would run in an east-west direction through northern La Salle County and likely include the construction of massive 200-foot tall power line structures through privately-owned farm properties.

However, the ruling denied the company the power of eminent domain — a legal power granted to public utilities that forces private property owners to sell their land to make way for a public works project.”

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Caufield, Kevin. News Tribune 26 November 2014.