Corporation’s tactics threaten Iowans

Rock Island Clean Line, a for-profit Texas corporation, proposes to span Iowa with high-line towers that would transport energy from northwest Iowa to Illinois. Existing infrastructure and rights of way will not be used.

Iowans are refusing to relinquish property voluntarily for this venture, so the corporation's means of securing the necessary real estate is to seek 'franchise status” from the Iowa Utility Board, thereby allowing private property to be seized via eminent domain.

Rock Island Clean Line's aggressive tactics are a threat to Iowa property owners. Some facts:

l The out-of-state consumers for whom this is intended have other energy sources - this is a solution to a problem that does not exist. This energy can stay in Iowa by utilizing existing transmission grid plans.

l Economic benefits are minimal and disrupt Iowans' housing and production.

l The corporation has not conducted studies to minimize the impact to private property, productivity and environment.

The corporation should not be given power to abuse Iowa resources and residents so it may line its pockets. The Iowa Utilities Board is asking for your input. Our legislators want to hear from you. Information can be found at www.IowaStopRICL.com.

We support clean energy initiatives, but let's thoughtfully and intelligently implement them.

Shelly and Duane Gates

Rowley