In Oklahoma, energy companies and the regional grid are racing to build infrastructure that can meet the state's growing electricity needs. But some Oklahomans aren't happy about plans to festoon rural areas with towering transmission lines. One project in particular, the 375-mile-long Cimarron Link, has drawn concern and even protest.
The transmission line would carry energy generated by the Panhandle's ever-blowing wind to a substation in Jenks. Invenergy, the company behind the project, is working to ink easement agreements with landowners spanning the distance between the two, which would allow the line to be built.
One of those landowners is Darren Blanchard, who lives on eight acres in rural Creek County, about 20 miles south of Tulsa.
"If this Cimarron Link project comes through, that puts my hopes and dreams for this place in dire jeopardy," Blanchard said.
Blanchard has plans to convert the land into a Certified Naturally Grown produce farm. He wants to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs to eventually partner with community organizations in distributing crops.
It all hinges on his plans for a greenhouse.
Read more at: oklahomavoice.com