Missouri rejection of ‘Grain Belt Express’ is a defeat for clean energy

A victory this week for Missouri farmers was also a disappointing loss for the future of renewable energy.

The state Public Service Commission narrowly denied plans to build a transmission line that would have carried wind power across the state.

Both sides offered familiar arguments.

Farmers protested that they didn’t want the line crossing their property and creating problems when they planted and harvested crops.

Promoters said it would create jobs as well as a great way to get energy produced by Kansas wind farms to power grids in Missouri and points to the east.

The “Grain Belt Express” could have helped reduce the nation’s reliance on dirty coal-fired power plants, while boosting the use of cleaner energy.

Supporters should review their options and continue to pursue this positive project.

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 3:47 PM with the headline "Missouri rejection of ‘Grain Belt Express’ is a defeat for clean energy."