Dave Freudenthal on Environment Democratic WY Governor

One year moratorium on eminent domain for wind power-lines

The exercise of eminent domain by a private party is the exercise of a state authority granted by the Legislature. It is a decision by the Legislature to prefer one group's property rights over those of another.

When wind companies say t you, "We don't use eminent domain," the truth is we have not used a nuclear bomb since World War II, but the existence of the deterrent nuclear arsenal has colored every discussion about international and national security in that time.

The same is tru with regard to eminent domain. The fact it is not used does not mean it is not a part of the conversation. I am not suggesting we do away with it forever. I am suggesting we take a one-year hiatus. This moratorium is limited to collector lines.