SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Friday that Grain Belt Express developers have met requirements to finance a transmission line project across Central Illinois. However, landowners are worried about potential damage to property throughout Christian, Clark, Cumberland and Shelby counties.

Clean Life Energy Partners first talked about running a transmission line from Kansas to a power grid in Indiana in 2015, but the Grain Belt Express faced multiple legal challenges after the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the project.

"There is plenty of evidence that there are years of building these sorts of projects — 4,000 miles, $47 billion in projects," said Grain Belt Express Attorney Adam Vaught. "This isn't just somebody saying, 'I have a rich grandpa and I'd like to get into the energy business.' This is what they do."

Oral arguments before the Illinois Supreme Court came just months after the Trump administration canceled a $4.9 billion loan for Grain Belt Express. 

Developers stress they still plan to start construction this year. Yet, landowners and farmers argue the company should be banned from building the transmission line.

"The reason we're here is because a shell company wants to build a transmission overpass to Indiana with no service to Illinois customers," said Illinois Farm Bureau Attorney Chuck Davis. "This case is about a quest for power — not electrical power, but governmental power."

Illinois lawmakers addressed some concerns by allowing non-utility companies to receive certificates for projects under the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Still, the Illinois Farm Bureau said farmers want energy for public use from responsible actors that comply with state and federal laws.

"Yes, the developer is not going to be putting up its own assets as collateral, but we did have testimony that they have billions of dollars in assets," said Illinois Commerce Commission Attorney Christopher Turner. "They've already provided $60 million in funding for this project and will continue to provide it into the future. That was sufficient evidence.

Invenergy said they are pleased with the court's decision and remain focused on delivering more affordable, reliable energy in the Midwest and across the country through Grain Belt Express.

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association told WAND News the decision is a huge win for energy consumers and businesses. 

"As manufacturers continue to report energy usage at historically high levels, new transmission infrastructure like Grain Belt Express is vital to providing more low-cost electricity and supporting economic growth across the Midwest," said IMA Executive Vice President Donovan Griffith.

Illinois Farm Bureau Associated Counsel Laura Harmon said they are disappointed by the decision, but the organization looks forward to the Fifth District Appellate Court hearing the case to address all other issues, including the bureau's constitutional challenges.

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