The Illinois Commerce Commission defended its decision to grant a Texas-based company status as a public utility this week. A lawyer representing ComEd, farmers, and landowners was the first to speak during oral arguments in an appellate court, followed by lawyers for the commission and Rock Island Clean Line.
The company must also obtain public utility status from the Iowa Utilities Board before it can build a high-voltage power line from northwestern Iowa to northeastern Illinois.
Illinois Public Radio's Michelle O'Neill reports: