Little Apple Times

Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann and Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will not proceed with its proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) in Kansas. This decision comes as DOE begins Phase 3 of the NIETC Designation Process, which included refining geographic boundaries.

Rep. Mann expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "Kansans made it clear from the very beginning that we were not interested in the federal government seizing our private land." He emphasized his efforts to ensure clarity from DOE and introduced legislation to prevent federal seizure of private property for the corridor.

Senator Moran also welcomed the news: "Kansans have made their voices heard - the Department of Energy has withdrawn its proposal and there will no longer be a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor across Kansas." He thanked Kansans for supporting him in opposing federal actions that could overrule state regulators.

Senator Marshall echoed these sentiments: "Kansans living in the path of this proposed transmission line corridor spoke loud and clear: they do not want the federal government dictating what happens in their backyard."

Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland praised the decision: "I am pleased to see the U.S. Department of Energy has announced it will not designate any portion of Kansas as a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC)." He acknowledged Rep. Mann and Sens. Moran and Marshall's leadership in keeping NIETC designations out of Kansas.

In September 2024, Rep. Mann and Sens. Moran and Marshall introduced legislation to prevent federal use of taxpayer dollars for property seizure related to NIETCs. They also secured an agreement from DOE to extend public comment on this proposal.

Rep. Mann had previously sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm urging consideration of Kansan concerns before advancing with designation plans.