(The Center Square) − The Louisiana Public Service Commission met this week to discuss the Marston family’s request for a rehearing related to the Southern Spirit Transmission project, a proposed high-voltage transmission line.
The Marstons, who own land that may be affected by the project, raised concerns over the route and its impact on their property, including historical artifacts and ongoing operations.
During the meeting on Wednesday, transmission project officials presented an agreement in principle that would address these concerns by negotiating voluntary land agreements and potentially adjusting the route to avoid property condemnation.
After deliberations, the commission decided to defer the decision until January, giving the parties time to finalize the agreement. If an agreement is reached, the Marstons could withdraw their rehearing request, potentially resolving the matter without further commission intervention.
Commissioner Foster L. Campbell voted against the motion to defer.
“I’m not going to do this because I hadn’t talked to those other people,” Campbell said. “And I can’t make the deal.”
The Southern Spirit Transmission project is a massive 320-mile high voltage transmission line. The project aims to connect the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and Southeastern transmission grids, facilitating bi-directional power sharing and enhancing grid resilience.
With a capacity of up to 3,000 megawatts (MW), the project promises to improve electricity reliability and provide access to low-cost energy for consumers.
The Marston family, who own property near the project site, have expressed deep concerns over the impact on their land. The Marstons have multiple tracts of land affected by the proposed transmission line, including one property that would be split in half.
This land holds personal and historical significance for the family, containing artifacts such as arrowheads and a spearpoint, some of which are on display at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum.
The Marstons are particularly concerned about the impact on their timber operations and the disruption of Haynesville-Shale drilling activities on their land. The property is home to six producing Haynesville Shale wells, including three highly active ones.
Despite attempts to negotiate, the transmission project’s proposed servitude agreement, which prohibits drilling within 500 feet of the transmission line, has not satisfied the Marstons’ concerns.