As a key public hearing nears, more Texas lawmakers, landowners and celebrities are urging state regulators to delay the proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line.
SALADO, Texas — Opposition to a proposed network of 765-kilovolt transmission lines across Central Texas continues to grow as more lawmakers, landowners and even celebrities call for the project to be delayed.
The proposed transmission line project, currently under review by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), would span nearly 200 miles and cross several Central Texas counties, including Bell, Burnet, Coryell, Lampasas and Concho. Supporters say the project is needed to strengthen the state’s electric grid and meet Texas’ growing energy demands, while opponents argue it would permanently impact private property and rural communities.
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Country music legend Tanya Tucker has joined actor Dennis Quaid in urging Governor Greg Abbott to pause the project. Both have publicly expressed concerns about the proposed transmission lines crossing ranches and rural properties.
Opponents say the construction could reduce property values, disrupt agricultural and ranching operations, affect wildlife habitats and permanently alter family-owned land.
State Rep. Brad Buckley, whose district includes Bell County, and State Sen. Kevin Sparks are among the latest elected officials asking the Public Utility Commission to delay any final decision until after the 2027 legislative session.
Buckley said the request is not about stopping energy development but making sure the state has the most current information before moving forward.
“We’ve just asked the PUC to simply pause the decision so ERCOT can look at the data in a more accurate way and make sure we’re moving forward in the right way,” Buckley said.
Buckley argues Texas should first determine how it plans to generate future electricity before committing to a large-scale transmission buildout.
“We’re not looking at generation first, we’re looking at it purely from the transmission side,” Buckley said. “We’re asking everyone to take another look at that and pause this project.”
In a letter sent to the PUC, Buckley and Sparks requested regulators postpone a final decision until after the 90th Texas Legislature concludes in May 2027. They also asked ERCOT to conduct a new evaluation of the project’s need, noting Texas has seen significant growth in proposed natural gas generation since the original transmission plan was developed.
Earlier this summer, 43 Texas lawmakers also signed a filing asking the PUC to conduct further review before moving forward with the proposed transmission projects.
The issue will now move to the Texas Capitol.
The Texas Senate Business & Commerce Committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday, July 29, to discuss the state’s electric grid and the impact the proposed 765-kilovolt transmission lines could have on private property rights.
Buckley is encouraging impacted landowners and other Texans to attend the hearing and testify.
“It’ll be a great opportunity for landowners and folks across Texas to weigh in on this project,” Buckley said. “I invite everyone to come to the Capitol and let your voice be heard.”
Buckley believes the project has grown beyond its original scope and deserves broader public discussion.
“This project, because of its scale and its scope, is going to end up impacting everyone,” he said. “It’s important that Texans participate in the process.”
Supporters of the project maintain the transmission lines are necessary to improve grid reliability, connect future power generation and support Texas’ continued population and economic growth.
The Public Utility Commission has not yet made a final decision on the proposed transmission line project. As the regulatory process continues, commissioners are expected to hear additional testimony from both supporters and opponents before deciding whether the project will move forward.