ICC Approves Rock Island Clean Line Project

(Rock Island, IL) -- The Illinois Commerce Commission is granting Rock Island Clean Line LLC's request to construct, operate, and maintain a 121-mile-long electric transmission line. It would be the first direct current line in Illinois eastward to ComEd's Collins substation in Grundy County. The line will originate in O'Brien County, Iowa, and ultimately extend about 500 miles, connecting potential wind generation resources in northwest Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska and Minnesota with electricity markets. The commission also directed Rock Island Clean Line to address landowners' concerns on things like irrigation, soil erosion, and timber land.