Missouri – On May 2, 2024, the Missouri House approved House Bill 1750. This bill protects property rights in the context of renewable energy development. Corporations cannot use eminent domain to construct wind or solar energy facilities on private land. Eminent domain is when the government takes private property from the landowners and converts it for public use. In this definition of taking, it can be the government seizing the property or restricting the use of that person’s property to the point that it is basically unlivable.
The bill was brought to the House by State Representative Mike Haffner after he heard many concerns from the public about corporations overreaching their power of eminent domain for wind and solar energy projects. With this bill, corporations would be limited to only legitimate public purposes.
In a recent press release, State Representative Mike Haffner stated, ” In recent years, we’ve seen a troubling trend of companies attempting to leverage eminent domain to advance their private interests in renewable energy projects. Once a solar or wind energy project is built, it gains condemnation authority, potentially expanding to neighboring or adjacent properties. We believe that solar and wind turbine companies should negotiate with landowners rather than resort to eminent domain to acquire property. This bill restores balance by limiting eminent domain to essential public utilities and infrastructure, safeguarding the property rights of Missouri citizens.”
This bill will be heading to the Senate for further consideration. To read the full House Bill 1750 click here.
