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MOFB remains neutral on ROFR, want to see more state involvement in proposals

The president of Missouri Farm Bureau says the organization remains neutral on the Right of First Refusal following a veto on the issue during delegate session at the annual meeting.

Garrett Hawkins tells Brownfield it’s a complicated topic.

“I’ve heard from members who are concerned about the competitive aspect of ROFR,” he says. “We heard some of that discussion on the delegate floor. There are three incumbent utilities in the state and there are concerns ROFR might give them a competitive advantage.”

However, Hawkins says Missouri Farm Bureau members would like to see the state legislature be more involved in transmission line proposals.

“Our members are asking the state legislature weigh these future projects and actually give approval as another step in the process, in addition to the Public Service Commission having to weigh and give a certificate of convenience and necessity to allow the project to move forward.”

Two bills proposed for the Missouri legislature take a similar stance to addressing transmission lines, including Senate Bill 747, sponsored by State Senator Mike Bernskoetter and House Bill 1752, sponsored by State Representative Brad Pollitt and Missouri Farm Bureau supports both bills.