Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Attorney General's Office has called on the U.S. Department of Energy to withdraw a $4.9 billion loan guarantee approved by the Biden Administration for the Grain Belt Express (GBE). The office argues that this transmission line project, supported by foreign investors, threatens Missouri landowners and was approved without sufficient consideration for state laws or private property rights.

Attorney General Bailey expressed concern over what he describes as a "multi-billion-dollar subsidy" benefiting foreign investors at the expense of Missouri farmers' rights. He stated, "I urge Secretary Wright to immediately halt federal funding for this green energy boondoggle. My Office will continue to push back against unlawful land grabs and defend the interests of hard-working Missourians."

Recently, Bailey's office issued a Civil Investigative Demand to GBE, challenging its claims regarding job creation and economic benefits, as well as its use of eminent domain. GBE has reportedly initiated nearly 50 lawsuits to acquire land from Missouri residents forcibly. Additionally, Bailey requested that the Missouri Public Service Commission reassess GBE’s application due to potentially misleading assumptions about carbon taxes.

Bailey's actions are part of his ongoing efforts to protect private property rights in Missouri and counter what he perceives as federal overreach. His office has previously criticized GBE's practices and maintains that no federal funds should support a company accused of misleading regulators and targeting family farms.

The letter sent to the Department of Energy states: “This speculative project seeks to line the pockets of GBE’s foreign investors with fast-tracked federal funding, hastily approved by President Biden to promote his Green New Deal agenda, with complete disregard to the private property rights of Missouri farmers and other landowners.”