The Missouri Public Service Commission announced in a press release it has unanimously approved Clean Line Energy's $2.3 billion Grain Belt Express transmission project.

The Grain Belt project is a 780-mile transmission line that will traverse the states of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, moving wind energy from Kansas to the eastern United States.

Prior to the approval, the transmission project was twice rejected by the Missouri regulator.

The Commission stated the evidence in the case demonstrated that the Grain Belt project will create both short-term and long-term benefits to ratepayers and citizens of the state. In addition, the project would have a substantial and favorable effect on the reliability of electric service in Missouri.

"There can be no debate that our energy future will require more diversity in energy resources, particularly renewable resources," said the Commission. "We are witnessing a worldwide, long-term and comprehensive movement towards renewable energy in general and wind energy specifically. Wind energy provides great promise as a source for affordable, reliable, safe and environmentally-friendly energy. The Grain Belt Project will facilitate this movement in Missouri, will thereby benefit Missouri citizens, and is, therefore, in the public interest."

Source: Missouri Public Service Commission