Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins issued the following statement regarding the passage of eminent domain reform (HB 2005) in the Missouri Senate:
“Missouri landowners have fought to protect private property rights against electrical corporations from using the power of eminent domain without providing a substantial benefit to Missourians. As current and future projects have been more heavily designed to profit on the backs of Missouri farmers and landowners on their way to reaching the lucrative east coast power grid, we commend the Missouri legislature for ensuring that landowners are protected and are placed in a fair negotiating position. Senator Jason Bean and Representative Mike Haffner have been leaders and put in immense work to carry this legislation through both sides of the Capitol, and we encourage the House to offer its final approval in the days ahead.”