To the Editor:
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Invenergy’s Grain Belt Express (GBE) was published in January 2025. This document is crucial before construction can start, as it ensures GBE follows the National Environmental Policy Act.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of what the DEIS contains, how it affects them, or where to find it. The period to submit comments on this complex 400-page document is only 45 days. Here’s a brief overview of its contents, which seem to favor the company looking to build the high-voltage lines.
The DEIS indicates that building the GBE will lead to significant environmental harm. It warns about potential negative effects on soil, water, air quality, vegetation, and even community resources and public health. However, it downplays these issues, using confusing language and placing disclaimers in small text.
For instance, the document suggests that the damage might be temporary or, in some cases, may not happen at all. When it suggests that some damage is temporary, it claims that Invenergy will repair it. However, the potential for harm is serious.
Construction activities could lead to soil and water contamination from fuels and lubricants leaking from machinery. Air quality might decline due to emissions from heavy equipment. Communities could face financial losses, which may be temporary or permanent, impacting jobs and local businesses. While the DEIS indicates that air pollution will be within “acceptable limits,” this could change over time as maintenance needs arise. Many local species and plants may disappear, and agricultural land will be affected, especially where towers obstruct farming activities.
From a public health perspective, the DEIS mentions that the electromagnetic fields produced by the lines will not likely pose serious health risks if people keep a safe distance. But there remains a risk of fires caused by these lines, similar to past incidents in Los Angeles. Additionally, there are health concerns related to exposure to hazardous chemicals.
The landscape’s beauty will suffer as well. The lines will be described as “visual clutter,” negatively impacting parks, recreational areas, and hunting opportunities.
Despite acknowledging permanent losses, the DEIS states that environmental justice will remain untouched. This claim raises questions given that 1) some damages may or may not occur; 2) Invenergy is expected to clean up after itself; and 3) many areas will face definite long-term environmental and economic harm.
Interestingly, the DEIS opens with a statement that if federal environmental standards can’t be met, the lines won’t be built. Yet, the rest of the report assumes that Invenergy will proactively manage any damage. This presents a confusing scenario: if the project poses risks and fails to comply with regulations, it shouldn’t proceed. Does this reasoning hold water? Not really, but it’s an example of how taxpayer money is being utilized.
Tammy Hammond
Landowner & Rosewood Services CEO
Pawnee Rock
