Several Iowa Republican legislators have filed a lawsuit in an attempt to halt the construction of the controversial Rock Island Clean Line project. The lawsuit, filed by 53 lawmakers, argues that the Iowa Utilities Board overstepped its authority when it approved the project back in 2016.
The Rock Island Clean Line project is a $2 billion venture that aims to build a 2,000 megawatt high-voltage transmission line stretching from Iowa to Illinois. Proponents of the project say it will bring clean and affordable wind energy to millions of homes, while opponents argue that it will harm Iowa’s rural landscapes and farmers.
In the lawsuit, the legislators claim that the Iowa Utilities Board did not have the legal authority to approve the project because it does not benefit Iowans or the state’s economy. They also argue that the board failed to consider the project’s impact on property rights and the environment.
The lawmakers are seeking to have the project’s approval overturned and are asking for an injunction to stop construction until the case is resolved. They are also calling for the Iowa Supreme Court to clarify the board’s authority when it comes to approving projects like the Rock Island Clean Line.
This lawsuit is the latest development in a long-running battle over the project, which has faced opposition from landowners, environmentalists, and some lawmakers since it was first proposed. The case is expected to be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the project as it moves through the legal system.
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