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	Electric Transmission Line Payments on Public Lands in Wyoming
	Publication #: B-1214 Date Published: 02/15/2011 Publication Author(s): Milton Geiger

Description:
The desire to develop clean energy resources, including wind energy and advanced coal (e.g., gasification with carbon dioxide sequestration), is driving the expansion of electrical power generation in Wyoming and surrounding states. For example, Wyomings wind energy generation capacity has expanded 14-fold from 1999-2009. Although much of this new electricity production is delivered to market through existing transmission lines, additional transmission capacity is required for continued growth. With relatively small local electricity loads, much of the new power generation will be exported to other markets, primarily in Southwestern states. To get this desirable, low cost power to market, new transmission lines are proposed in the Rocky Mountain states. Wyoming currently has seven large-scale, power-exporting transmission lines proposed. New transmission lines require substantial easements across both private and public land. Private landowners are often opposed to transmission lines on their land due to fears of inadequate compensation and negative aesthetic and health impacts. Landowners affected by transmission development may feel slighted compared to the relatively lucrative lease payments received by landowners hosting wind turbines. The compensation structure for wind energy typically includes yearly lease payments as opposed to one-time payments for transmission. Also, some transmission developers can utilize the power of eminent domain to complete projects on private lands, often providing a price ceiling for private developers. A more complete discussion of eminent domain for transmission lines and wind energy is presented in the forthcoming University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service bulletins Ranching, Farming, and Recreating in the Shadow of Wind Farms in Wyoming: The Potential Role of Eminent Domain and Ranching, Farming and Recreating in the Shadow of Wind Farms in Wyoming: Transporting Wind Power.

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