By Kayden Guymon, Missouri Farm Bureau Director of Regulatory Affairs & Policy Counsel
In Missouri, landowner property rights have come under increasing pressure due to large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly high-voltage transmission lines and renewable energy developments like wind and solar farms and data centers. Central to the debate is the use of eminent domain, a legal process allowing the government, or even out-of-state private companies, to acquire land for public use. While this tool has long been used for roads and utilities, its application in energy projects sparks significant controversy among Missouri landowners.
Eminent domain allows utilities to seize private land for transmission lines that often benefit regional or national energy grids rather than serving local needs. Missouri landowners have raised concerns that these projects primarily benefit corporate interests, with little regard for private property rights or local communities. Critics argue that landowners are offered insufficient compensation, face long-term disruption to their livelihoods, and may see property values decrease. The use of eminent domain in this context has raised questions about the fairness of using public powers for private gain.
High-voltage transmission lines, such as the Grain Belt Express project, have been particularly contentious. These massive infrastructure projects require vast amounts of land throughout northern Missouri, leading to strong opposition from landowners whose property rights are being trampled. Many argue that these projects, while touted as necessary for energy needs, do not benefit the local community directly, leaving residents to bear the costs of a project they may not support.
Renewable energy projects, including wind and solar farms, are raising concerns among landowners. Supporters claim these technologies will reduce carbon emissions and foster clean energy, but at the same time, they often consume significant amounts of prime agricultural land. Many landowners have entered lease agreements but later discover that the long-term impact—such as restrictions on land use or a potential decline in property values—outweighs the economic benefits. Additionally, these projects can disrupt farming, alter local landscapes, and cause lasting changes to the environment. As solar and wind farms age past usefulness, these landowners will have to “pick up the cleaning bill” to return the ground to its original state because these billion-dollar energy companies have moved on to the next green thing.
With the growing use of eminent domain for energy projects, many are calling for reforms. Proposals include stricter regulations on when eminent domain can be used, better compensation for landowners, and more local involvement in the decision-making processes. MOFB has thrown its support behind SB 199 (Sen. Jason Bean) and HB 475 (Rep. Brad Pollitt). The legislation aims to close a statutory loophole that allows for the misuse of eminent domain authority for wind and solar projects by protecting the rights of those who own land adjacent to these structures. This is just one example of much-needed reform.
The challenge for state and federal lawmakers and regulators will be balancing the need for energy infrastructure with the protection of landowners’ property rights, ensuring that renewable energy goals do not come at the expense of individual freedoms. This task is not insurmountable. It simply means energy developers, regulators and lawmakers should view farmers and landowners as partners in securing our nation’s energy future. After all, the infrastructure we enjoy today was in large part built on the backs of private property owners decades ago.