Resistance grows to Colorado NIETC electric transmission corridor

LAMAR — The rich history of southeastern Colorado

Bob Bamber, a 44-year-old rancher, has a deep connection to the land in southeastern Colorado, tracing back to his great-great-grandfather who homesteaded north of Pritchett. The tiny town of Pritchett, located in Baca County near the Oklahoma state line, holds sentimental value for Bamber.

Recently, Bamber discovered that a portion of the ranchland he and his father own and lease in Prowers County has been designated as a potential high-voltage electric transmission corridor by the U.S. Department of Energy. This revelation stirred strong emotions within Bamber.

Living in an area surrounded by cedar trees, yucca, and prickly pear cactus, Bamber expressed his concerns about the impact of the transmission corridor on the fragile short-grass prairie landscape, echoing the worries of his neighbor, Val Emick.

Emick, who runs a cow-calf operation on 5,000 acres south of Lamar, shares Bamber’s apprehensions about the potential disruption to ranching and farming operations that have been passed down through generations.

The primary concern for residents in this region is the threat of eminent domain, a government power to condemn and acquire land for public use. The memories of past condemnations, such as the U.S. Army’s plan to expand the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, loom large in the minds of locals.

With uncertainty surrounding the use of eminent domain for the electric transmission lines under the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) initiative, residents are anxious about the future of their land and livelihoods.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert has voiced opposition to the corridor designation, emphasizing the importance of community input in such projects. She successfully extended the public input period for the project and is advocating for a reevaluation of the NIETC initiative.

The Significance of the Southwestern Grid Connector

The Department of Energy’s NIETC program aims to address transmission deficiencies across the country to enhance electric reliability and reduce consumer costs. The proposed Southwestern Grid Connector is a crucial component of this initiative.

By linking the eastern and western interconnections in the U.S., the Southwestern Grid Connector would facilitate the exchange of power and enhance the overall efficiency and resilience of the national grid.

Despite the potential benefits of the grid expansion, residents like Bamber and Emick are concerned about the impact on their land, community, and way of life.

The Future of Colorado’s Electric Grid

As the demand for electricity continues to rise nationwide, the expansion of the transmission system is essential to ensure reliable and affordable energy supply. Colorado’s shift towards renewable energy sources and electric vehicle adoption further necessitates grid enhancements.

While the development of transmission infrastructure is crucial for meeting future energy needs, residents like Steve Shelton, a sixth-generation farmer and rancher, emphasize the importance of transparent and collaborative processes in such projects.

Concerns about eminent domain and the lack of communication from federal authorities have fueled apprehensions among residents and local officials in southeastern Colorado.

Challenges and Perspectives

Local officials and residents in southeast Colorado are advocating for greater transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process regarding the transmission corridor designation.

With a history of resilience and stewardship of the land, residents like Bamber and Emick are determined to protect their heritage and livelihoods from potential disruptions caused by the proposed grid expansion.

As the debate over the NIETC initiative continues, the fate of the Southwestern Grid Connector and its impact on the communities of Baca, Prowers, and Kiowa counties hangs in the balance.