The lights are still flickering on a Northeast Missouri lawmaker’s effort to limit private utility companies from taking land through eminent domain.

The House has re-sent a proposal from Representative Tim Remole of Macon County to the utility infrastructure committee. A hearing could take place as early as Wednesday (April 6).

Eminent domain is the power of government to take private land for public projects. The proposed measure would place restrictions on its use by private utility firms.

Clean Line Energy of Texas continues its quest to build a controversial high-voltage electricity line called Grain Belt Express. Randolph, Monroe and Ralls counties in Missouri and Pike and Scott counties in Illinois are on the 750-mile route.

Illinois has approved construction but Missouri regulators have rejected the proposal.

Clean Line has touted the economic and environmental impact, but opponents have voiced concerns about land values and the utility’s use of eminent domain.

The proposal before the utility infrastructure committee is known as House Bill 2418. Remole is the vice chairman.