...and they can start by overcoming their presumption that massive amounts of new overhead transmission is necessary to move to a clean energy future. It's not.
But, CFRA is funded by ReAMP, whose "clean energy" money comes from deep pocketed and mysterious foundations and "Energy Funds". Environmental groups are just as shady, and just as well-funded, as the fossil fuel energy interests at which they point the finger. And the people have had enough of that nonsense!
Transmission advocacy toadie CFRA has taken the funding offered by these big green groups to act as a voice for rural landowners, and to somehow convince these landowners to accept gigantic new transmission lines across their land. It's not working. CFRA has done nothing but anger rural landowners, who feel that CFRA has strayed far from its mission to represent rural interests.
CFRA begins with the incorrect presumption that we MUST build massive amounts of new transmission across the midwest in order to have clean energy.
NOT TRUE!
CFRA has been rejected time and time again by the very rural landowners it pretends to represent. But, now they're back, telling rural landowners that they can "change transmission for the better" if they simply accept it.
NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN.
But, CFRA is funded by ReAMP, whose "clean energy" money comes from deep pocketed and mysterious foundations and "Energy Funds". Environmental groups are just as shady, and just as well-funded, as the fossil fuel energy interests at which they point the finger. And the people have had enough of that nonsense!
Transmission advocacy toadie CFRA has taken the funding offered by these big green groups to act as a voice for rural landowners, and to somehow convince these landowners to accept gigantic new transmission lines across their land. It's not working. CFRA has done nothing but anger rural landowners, who feel that CFRA has strayed far from its mission to represent rural interests.
CFRA begins with the incorrect presumption that we MUST build massive amounts of new transmission across the midwest in order to have clean energy.
NOT TRUE!
CFRA has been rejected time and time again by the very rural landowners it pretends to represent. But, now they're back, telling rural landowners that they can "change transmission for the better" if they simply accept it.
NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN.
Earlier this month, several hearings were held across Missouri concerning a proposed transmission line that has the potential to carry Midwest wind energy to eastern markets. The Missouri Public Service Commission heard testimony from Missouri residents concerning the Grain Belt Express project, one of several new transmission projects in the region that could help boost new renewable energy projects.
These hearings are an essential part of the transmission development process, as they provide communities and landowners the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns. Transmission is an important factor in bringing new renewable energy onto the grid, but it’s vital new transmission is developed the right way. That means that we must have landowners and community members getting involved.
Public involvement helps reveal the weak points. For example, many worry about the use of eminent domain for large-scale transmission projects. Insight from landowners points to flaws in the way that compensation for property is determined, and makes clear that there is more to property than just it’s fair market value. Developers must work hard to address these concerns, and work with communities and landowners to find a better way to develop transmission.
Public involvement in transmission development offers all involved the opportunity to think about the future. As more renewable energy is developed, we will require more and better infrastructure to connect it to the electric grid. But we also need to change the way we develop projects, making the process more fair and agreeable to landowners.
The only thing that needs changing here is the way we go about transitioning to a clean energy future. It's not going to happen overnight. And it's not going to happen on a grandiose scale. It's going to happen gradually, in the local communities, where energy can be produced at point of use.
CFRA has failed to actually LISTEN to what rural Americans are saying about energy. They want local solutions, sustainable solutions, that don't require rural America to make a sacrifice for the needs of far-flung urban areas. Urban areas are just as capable of developing their own local renewable energy sources and should be permitted to do so. Instead of wasting billions on new long-distance overhead transmission, couldn't that money be better spent on sustainable solutions, such as on-site solar or offshore wind conveniently located near the big demand centers?
CFRA has failed to learn the first lesson about the people it supposedly represents -- it's not about the money, it's about a way of life.
CFRA has failed to actually LISTEN to what rural Americans are saying about energy. They want local solutions, sustainable solutions, that don't require rural America to make a sacrifice for the needs of far-flung urban areas. Urban areas are just as capable of developing their own local renewable energy sources and should be permitted to do so. Instead of wasting billions on new long-distance overhead transmission, couldn't that money be better spent on sustainable solutions, such as on-site solar or offshore wind conveniently located near the big demand centers?
CFRA has failed to learn the first lesson about the people it supposedly represents -- it's not about the money, it's about a way of life.
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