KRWG News –
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRWG) The New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority is soliciting public comments on its proposed procedures for using the power of eminent domain to acquire property for building electric transmission lines.
The authority is a quasi-government agency that can plan, build and operate transmission lines and power storage facilities.
Authority Executive Director Jeremy Turner said Wednesday the eminent domain rules will be published on the group's website and public comments will be accepted for 45 days. The authority will consider whether to adopt the proposals at a May 17 meeting in Santa Fe.
Authority Board chairman Bob Busch said eminent domain would be used only as a last resort for development of a transmission line project. The board would have to approve any decision to condemn private property.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. KRWG