Grassroots citizens’ group Block Grain Belt Express Illinois (Block GBE IL) is poised to host outreach and educational meetings in affected counties across the state prior to a second round of open houses by Clean Line Energy Partners (CLEP) in early February. The group is opposed to CLEP’s plan to construct the Grain Belt Express, a 750-mile long high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line, which would impact landowners in nine counties across Illinois, along with thousands of others in Kansas, Missouri and Indiana. The organization is quickly gaining momentum after launching earlier this month in response to CLEP’s first round of open house meetings.
Greene County will be first to host an educational meeting on January 14th at the Carrollton KC Hall at 7pm. Meetings will follow in other counties to raise awareness about the project and provide landowners with important information.
Shelby County - Saturday, January 24th, 9am, Cowden Community Center
Clark and Cumberland Counties – Sunday, January 25th, 1pm, Greenup Municipal Building
Montgomery and Christian Counties – Thursday, January 29th, 6:30pm, Nokomis St. Louis Parish Center
Macoupin County – Tuesday, January 27th, 7pm, Modesto
Ashleigh Rockwell, the new Vice President of Block GBE IL, said “I encourage landowners and residents to unite and stand up for private property rights. It’s vital at this stage to get the information out there that GBE is not necessary or beneficial to Illinois, regardless of the final route chosen. We will spread the word and take action. Talk to your neighbors and get them to these meetings. Our support just keeps growing and we’re excited to get to each county to meet landowners and share information.”
Block GBE IL recently held a successful launch meeting with an impressive turnout of landowners from across the state, along with assistance from three other BLOCK groups opposing Clean Line projects from Missouri, Iowa, and northern Illinois. A citizens’ board was elected, and two Illinois State Representatives were in attendance, both of whom oppose the GBE. Several county board members were also present.
Megan Beeler, a Montgomery County board member, said, “Montgomery County has been offered what feels like “hush money” for awhile now, but as you can see, I’m not hushing!”
Jennifer Gatrel from Block Grain Belt Express Missouri stated, " It was very exciting to be part of the launch meeting. I was thrilled that delegations from three other Clean Line opposition groups spanning three states were able to attend to help get this new organization on its feet. A family has been formed in a 6 state region, and we’re thousands strong! Together, we can and will stop the precedent from being set that a private company can seize private land for its own financial gain. I am grateful to be part of such an impressive team and have been amazed at the speed with which Block GBE Illinois has organized."
A sub-group to represent landowners in the legal process at the Illinois Commerce Commission is already taking shape as well. Both groups will work in partnership to battle the GBE from all angles.
“We have the odds in our favor by learning from what other states have successfully accomplished, and repeating that success. But we have to act now and we have to stick together,” adds Rockwell.
For more information about any of the upcoming meetings or to learn more about Block GBE IL, please visit us on Facebook under Block Grain Belt Express Illinois or call 618-203-6909.
Greene County will be first to host an educational meeting on January 14th at the Carrollton KC Hall at 7pm. Meetings will follow in other counties to raise awareness about the project and provide landowners with important information.
Shelby County - Saturday, January 24th, 9am, Cowden Community Center
Clark and Cumberland Counties – Sunday, January 25th, 1pm, Greenup Municipal Building
Montgomery and Christian Counties – Thursday, January 29th, 6:30pm, Nokomis St. Louis Parish Center
Macoupin County – Tuesday, January 27th, 7pm, Modesto
Ashleigh Rockwell, the new Vice President of Block GBE IL, said “I encourage landowners and residents to unite and stand up for private property rights. It’s vital at this stage to get the information out there that GBE is not necessary or beneficial to Illinois, regardless of the final route chosen. We will spread the word and take action. Talk to your neighbors and get them to these meetings. Our support just keeps growing and we’re excited to get to each county to meet landowners and share information.”
Block GBE IL recently held a successful launch meeting with an impressive turnout of landowners from across the state, along with assistance from three other BLOCK groups opposing Clean Line projects from Missouri, Iowa, and northern Illinois. A citizens’ board was elected, and two Illinois State Representatives were in attendance, both of whom oppose the GBE. Several county board members were also present.
Megan Beeler, a Montgomery County board member, said, “Montgomery County has been offered what feels like “hush money” for awhile now, but as you can see, I’m not hushing!”
Jennifer Gatrel from Block Grain Belt Express Missouri stated, " It was very exciting to be part of the launch meeting. I was thrilled that delegations from three other Clean Line opposition groups spanning three states were able to attend to help get this new organization on its feet. A family has been formed in a 6 state region, and we’re thousands strong! Together, we can and will stop the precedent from being set that a private company can seize private land for its own financial gain. I am grateful to be part of such an impressive team and have been amazed at the speed with which Block GBE Illinois has organized."
A sub-group to represent landowners in the legal process at the Illinois Commerce Commission is already taking shape as well. Both groups will work in partnership to battle the GBE from all angles.
“We have the odds in our favor by learning from what other states have successfully accomplished, and repeating that success. But we have to act now and we have to stick together,” adds Rockwell.
For more information about any of the upcoming meetings or to learn more about Block GBE IL, please visit us on Facebook under Block Grain Belt Express Illinois or call 618-203-6909.
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