Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has expressed strong opposition to the Biden Administration's decision to provide a $4.9 billion loan for the Grain Belt Express (GBE) project. This initiative involves constructing a large transmission line that, according to Bailey, would unlawfully acquire land from Missouri property owners.

Bailey stated, "I will not allow the languishing Biden-Harris Administration to shortcut the legal process and force Missouri farmers to give up their land. No one knows better how to use Missouri land than Missouri farmers, ranchers, and property owners." He emphasized his commitment to defending personal property rights.

In his letter addressed to the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office (DOE LPO), Bailey criticized their "conditional commitment" for backing the GBE project with a significant loan guarantee. He noted that this decision was made without proposing or finalizing an environmental impact statement, which would have allowed public input on the project's implications.

Bailey argued that the project's size necessitates acquiring land through eminent domain misuse. He accused GBE of pursuing legal actions against local governments opposing its plans and described it as a speculative venture favoring out-of-state investors over Missourians.

The attorney general further accused the administration of bypassing essential public engagement processes in its pursuit of green energy goals. "After nearly two years of radio silence," he remarked on what he sees as reckless financial support for select investors.

Bailey urged an immediate reversal of this decision and called for transparency through environmental statements and public meetings regarding GBE's potential impact on local communities. "Anything less is unacceptable," he concluded.

Bailey is currently involved in ongoing litigation concerning the Grain Belt Express in Monroe County, Missouri.