North Dakota landowners and townships opposing JETx Transmission Line

To the editor:

We are landowners and township residents directly affected by the proposed 345kV transmission line from Jamestown to Ellendale. In recent weeks, we asked the North Dakota Public Service Commission to rescind its November 2024 order approving the project. We believe this project was unlawfully approved and should not move forward.

The line was processed under the wrong statute. It advanced without the notice, environmental review, or public input required for high-voltage transmission lines under North Dakota law. The Commission also approved the project without making the detailed findings or legal conclusions that the law requires before a project of this scale can be authorized.

But this isn’t just about procedural mistakes. We believe the project is unnecessary and not in the public interest. Our communities should not be turned into industrial corridors of transmission lines and wind towers just to serve out-of-state markets. We want to protect our land, our livelihoods and the rural character of North Dakota.

We are asking the Commission to do what the law requires and what fairness demands: rescind the approval, recognize that no public necessity has been shown and stop this project from going any further.

If you would like more information about this topic, e-mail [email protected]

Petitioners include:

Mike and Patty Bartle, Tim Leppert, Richard and Susan R. Long, Steve and Julia Nelson, Darron Orr, Phyllis Otterness, Patricia Vick, Sandi and Steve Rupp, Brandon and Tausha Schweigert, David and Denette Schweigert, Shockman Farms, Allen Swiontek, Dave and Holly Wald, Debra Sue Wald, Lucas and Jill Wald, Weston Wald, Willowbank Colony, Corwin Township, Russell Township, Wano Township, Willowbank Township, Valley Township

Edgeley, ND, June 18, 2025