765 kV Lines
While HB 5066 authorized a limited fix for local electric transmission in the Permian Basin, the 765 kV Strategic Transmission Expansion Program (STEP) authorized by ERCOT is being planned without the express authorization of the Texas Legislature. They are being built by bought-out bureaucrats in Austin with little to no oversight from the people or their elected representatives. The 765 KV STEP lines are for the data center takeover of Texas.
Not only that, they are being built in an irresponsible way. Some are crossing gas pipelines without the proper planning for AC mitigation systems, which will cause ecological disasters in the future. They are taking ranchland, farmland, dairies, harming property values, harming soil, harming health, and more. The consequences could lead to many farms and ranches losing revenue as landowners are forced to defend their lands from the land grab. The total acreage lost statewide to the 765 KV STEP is estimated at 70,000 acres, with 8 to 10 billion lost in property values on the low end. Additionally, every Texan can expect a rate increase in electricity bills regardless of promises that Texans shouldn't be responsible for paying for data centers to connect to the grid.
The 765 lines are not for the people. It's for the data center takeover of Texas.
In addition, we should start burying many current and future transmission lines and reconsider how we plan for both transmission and generation for the ERCOT grid.
Buried lines are better than above-ground transmission lines due to:
- Above-ground lines are extremely susceptible to weather, constantly needing repair. This will be less of a problem when they're buried.
- Above-ground lines can release PFAFs/PFOAs/forever chems into soil, harming our soil, farms, and food in some situations. Buried ones don't.
- Above-ground lines can release electromagnetic radiation, while buried ones can be shielded.
- Above-ground lines harm property values. Buried ones won't.
- Above-ground lines scar Texas. Buried ones don't.
Better transmission and generation planning should involve the landowners during the planning process instead of hiding projects from the public. The lack of transparency for grid planning is alarming.
We must stop the 765 kV transmission lines. No new lines until the Texas Legislature expressly approves them and better grid planning practices are implemented. If any are approved, they should not take or harm private property or persons. Furthermore, many current or future transmission lines, where feasible, should be buried.
Who's signing
