An influential national newspaper is weighing in on a high-voltage power line that remains controversial in Missouri.

The New York Times editorial board is critical of Missouri regulators and property owners who oppose Clean Line Energy’s Grain Belt Express transmission line. The opinion piece appeared in the newspaper April 5th and is available online at nytimes.com.

The 750-mile line would transmit wind-generated electricity from Kansas to Indiana and on to the East Coast.  Randolph, Monroe and Ralls counties in Missouri and Pike and Scott counties in Illinois are on the route.

Illinois has approved the project. Missouri regulators have rejected it, but Clean Line says it plans to submit a revamped proposal later this year.

The Times’ editorial agrees utilities should pay proper prices for land and listen to local opinions, but argues that Grain Belt opponents are holding back progress toward the use of more renewable energy.

Clean Line has touted the economic and environmental impact, but opponents have voiced concerns about land values, the use of eminent domain and long-term value to Missouri.