Eminent domain should not be option

To the editor:

Unfortunately, the headlines read positive for Rock Island Clean Line. This is the private company that wants to put up transmission lines through 16 counties in Iowa and on into Illinois. The headlines read that the Illinois Commerce Commission approves the RICL.

Headlines, of course, do not tell the whole story. The decision does not allow RICL to go ahead and construct the lines in Illinois. They did not grant the authority needed to request eminent domain. Similar to Iowa, a vast number of the 443 landowners are opposed to the project and it will be difficult for the RICL to obtain easements. Landowners do not have to negotiate at all. They can tell them no if they so choose. That's the way it should be in Iowa.

This is not a done deal. We want everyone to realize this. No private company should be granted the right to use eminent domain. A landowner should have the right to say if they want the poles on their land or not.

RICL would be better off putting the poles along the highways and paying the DOT for the use of the ground and use that money for road repairs.

Don and Carol Hatch

Center Point