Farmers resist Ameren "intrusion"
Updated: March 4, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- Central Illinois farmers are battling with Ameren. They don't want the company to put transmission lines on their land. It looks like a new bill could help them in that fight. WCIA-3's Brittany Harris finds out what the measure will do.
The new bill would slow down the review process making it harder for Ameren to start the project. But, it would also make it easier for many to learn all about it.
There's not much to see in Morrisonville. But, that could change if Ameren has its way. The company wants to build transmission lines in the area.
"We would have a transmission line go through the primary route or an alternate route. Either way, it will affect our family."
Pat Wolfe has lived here more than 30-years. He doesn't want to see anything built on his land.
"My biggest concern has been taking more land out of production. We desperately need to preserve our farmland."
He's not the only one who feels that way. Other farmers agree. They say there are too many blurry details.
"The meetings are very general, and they never know for sure what alternative they're going to recommend so there's really no answers."
But, some Central Illinois lawmakers want to change that. They're pushing for a bill to slow the process, giving everyone more time to learn about the lines.
"I would like the legislature to be successful, as I understand it, to slow the process down and to help people be able to make informed decisions."
The bill would also regulate where Ameren could build. Property near schools and houses would be off-limits.
"You don't really know the consequences of having a high-voltage line that close to your family. It's a very emotional thing."
Ameren says the project is necessary and the lines will bring more power to more places. According to reports, its officials don't like the new bill. They say it's too restrictive.
The new bill would slow down the review process making it harder for Ameren to start the project. But, it would also make it easier for many to learn all about it.
There's not much to see in Morrisonville. But, that could change if Ameren has its way. The company wants to build transmission lines in the area.
"We would have a transmission line go through the primary route or an alternate route. Either way, it will affect our family."
Pat Wolfe has lived here more than 30-years. He doesn't want to see anything built on his land.
"My biggest concern has been taking more land out of production. We desperately need to preserve our farmland."
He's not the only one who feels that way. Other farmers agree. They say there are too many blurry details.
"The meetings are very general, and they never know for sure what alternative they're going to recommend so there's really no answers."
But, some Central Illinois lawmakers want to change that. They're pushing for a bill to slow the process, giving everyone more time to learn about the lines.
"I would like the legislature to be successful, as I understand it, to slow the process down and to help people be able to make informed decisions."
The bill would also regulate where Ameren could build. Property near schools and houses would be off-limits.
"You don't really know the consequences of having a high-voltage line that close to your family. It's a very emotional thing."
Ameren says the project is necessary and the lines will bring more power to more places. According to reports, its officials don't like the new bill. They say it's too restrictive.
