- Safety concerns for residents, including increased risk of childhood leukemia, cardiovascular stress/disease, miscarriage, and more (see details in next question)

- Safety concerns for wildlife, including the federally protected Bald Eagle

- Disruption of delicate ecosystems

- Destruction of sites with historical value, including many indian artifacts 

- Eminent domain settlements and/or condemnation of multiple legacy ranches, dating back to the late 1800's

- Ruination of the tremendous aesthetic value of the Texas Hill Country

- Fire risks in an area suffering from severe to exceptional droughts

- Further increase in the number of Burnet residents affected by transmission corridors that bring little to no direct benefit to the area

Many studies show that there are many safety concerns living near these lines. 

• The lines' corona effect is very noisy, which can cause a number of health-related issues (especially cardiovascular).
• Arcing from a 765kV transmission line is a high-voltage discharge of electricity across an air gap, often caused by events like lightning strikes or proximity to conductive objects. Here is an arc demo at a much lower power done by Oncor. At these extreme voltages, the electric field can ionize the air, creating a conductive path for the current to jump, a phenomenon also known as flashover. This can also be a severe fire hazard (see next point).
• Poor maintenance and drought conditions near these lines can create serious fire hazards. Burnet County has experienced severe to exceptional droughts at many points during 19 of the past 25 years.
• A 2005 British Medical Journal (BMJ) study by Draper et al. found a statistically significant association between childhood leukemia and proximity to high-voltage power lines, even at distances not typically linked to known magnetic field levels. While this only establishes a possible correlation, and not causation - are you willing to risk it?
• The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Institutes of Health put out this guide in 2002, which reviews the (possibly inconclusive) correlation between negative health effects and EMF exposure.
• This 2017 study concluded that the researchers "found an almost three-fold increased risk of miscarriage if a pregnant woman was exposed to higher MF levels compared to women with lower MF exposure."
• This 2007 study found evidence that their "results raise the possibility that prolonged residence close to high-voltage power lines, especially early in life, may increase the risk of the development of MPD and LPD later."
• The EPA recommends "prudent avoidance" for those concerned about potential health effects from high-voltage EMFs, a policy largely driven by ongoing public concern rather than conclusive scientific proof of a direct health risk. 
• This study shows a negative effect from electrical fields from high-voltage transmission lines on cognitive, biological, and anatomical changes in male monkeys. The study states "the results of biological tests and MRI showed an elevated risk of immunodeficiency disorders, weakness, and behavioral disorders." Results were visible within 30 days.

Yes and no. The graphic provided by Oncor did not inlude the total height, however, in other areas of the country, 765kV structures begin at 140' tall, and reach up to 230' tall at major turns. For reference, an average neighborhood power line is 12'-22' tall. 

The width of the top of these structures will be at minimum 142', which could fit a 12 lane highway with a median in the middle. This will require 200'-300' wide easements (220' is the size of a 16 lane highway with a median), all of which will be subject to vegetation maintenance.

The graphic is on page 10 of this document.

This line will be roughly 215-240 miles long, 200-300 feet wide (larger than a 16 lane highway), and could affect up to 15 counties across Texas.

At the writing of this answer (March 2026), the initial planning phase is well underway, and the public information meetings have been held. Next, Oncor and LCRA TSC will apply for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) amendment with the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) for a preferred route, and a reasonable amount of alternative routes. Oncor’s website has the goal date for this application as March of 2026, however, it could be filed before that time. At that point, Oncor and LCRA TSC provide notice of filing to the public, and the public has 30 days to file an intervention. A contested CCN (which this will be) process lasts no longer than 180 days (without signifcant delays), during which the "affected public" is involved in a judicial process for an Administrative Law Judge to present a proposed final order to the PUC board. Then the board of Governor-appointed PUC members (full board is 5 members) can grant a whole/partial CCN, or they can deny the application  - this is estimated to happen near September of 2026. An approval can be appealed, but assuming any appeals are unsuccessful, surveying, acquisitions, and permitting begin (i.e. eminent domain process), and construction begins. Construction is expected to be complete by the summer of 2030.

Graphic - Guide to Licensing Process for New Transmission Facilities

Lone Star Land Protection - Detailed explanation of process

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller

There are currently no transmission lines of this magnitude in the state of Texas. The largest current line in Texas is less than half this magnitude.

As of now, we all have the same rights, which is to voice our opposition to the line.

Once the lines are chosen for the CCN amendment application, then your right are as stated by the PUC Rules and Laws -

Intervenors are people directly affected by a particular issue or action and are full and active participants in a proceeding at the PUCT. Intervenors can make legal arguments, conduct discovery, file testimony, cross-examine witnesses. If an intervenor testifies, they can be cross-examined by the other parties in the case. To become an intervenor, submit a written request explaining why you have a legal interest in the proceeding.Typically, intervention is granted only to directly affected landowners (those notified parties who are within 500 feet of the center line of the power line). However, any landowner may request to intervene and obtain a ruling on his or her specific fact situation and concerns.

Protestors can submit comments that are entered into the official record of the proceeding. These comments are publicly available and can be read by the PUCT commissioners, PUCT staff, and other people following the proceeding. These comments help inform the PUCT and its staff of the public concerns and to identify issues to be explored. The PUCT welcomes and encourages such participation in its proceedings.

There are many theories about the uses for these lines, but what seems concrete is that they will provide "necessary" power to the Permian Basin. The Permian Basin is well known for its role in the gas and oil industry, and more recently, commitments for new AI centers. There are no substations planned on this line for our area, so our residents are not able to directly benefit from this line. 

While the CCN amendment application and preferred/alternative routes have not been filed, the docket for the filing has been opened. To file a public comment, please have a message (preferably PDF) saved and ready to upload. The process takes 2-5 minutes, but will make you restart after 20 minutes. You will go the website at this link, and then click the "Begin" button, and follow the instructions. We are docket control #59475.

Please note - there will be another opportunity to oppose this line formlly, as an intervenor or a protestor, after the application to amend the CCN is filed. This will be a small window, and it is prudent to be prepared before the opportunity arises. 

Absolutely. You can see existing transmission lines on this map.  The response given by Oncor and LCRA representatives to many land owners who have inquired as to why these routes are not being utilized is something to the effect of attempting to avoid the possibility of if there is a disaster, like a tornado, it may take down both lines, rather than just one. So, while there is no substation in the Burnet area, that could share any of the transmitted power with our residents, we are being forced to shoulder the burden of yet another line in our area.

With the assistance of the Special Counsel hired by the County to handle this situation, Margaret Pemberton, the Burnet County Commissioners have issued a resolution against the transmission line, and filed it with the PUC, Oncor, LCRA TSC, and multiple legislators. Some Commissioners have also been active at community meetings, and arranged a workshop with the PUC. The Commissioners have stated that they will not be filing any legal suits against the project. Commissioner Beierle explained that they intend to help citizens find what they need to advocate for their property.

The Commissioners have also passed the formation of a 391 Commission together with the City of Burnet. The first meeting has not been held yet, and this will be updated as it progresses.

You can read the resolution here.

You can visit the Burnet County website dedicated to transmission line updates here.

A 391 Commission in Texas is a regional planning body created by local governments under Chapter 391 of the Texas Local Government Code, allowing entities within the same CAPCOG to collaboratively plan for regional development and coordinate with state agencies to protect local health, safety, and welfare, often acting as a tool to influence larger projects like highways or power lines. These commissions provide a formal structure for counties and cities to work together on issues impacting their shared areas, enhancing their collective power in planning matters.

A 391 Commission could allow Burnet County better access to PUC process. While it cannot unilaterally stop the project, it does provide some influence to protect the citizens represented by the coalition.

That's a big question. At this point, the final order for this project has not been granted by the PUC. However, the legislation passed (Texas HB5066) had overwhelming support from the state and national legistlators. Having said that, multiple legislators that voted in favor of the bill have come out to publicly say they did not intend what came out of it.

We have some support, and opportunities, but it will take almost every Texan coming together to stop this train. So while it is possible, it is a massive undertaking!

All that to say - we will leave nothing on the table to stop this project. We know we are up for a fight, and we feel it is worth it.

Participants were given a packet of information about the line, and given a form to communicate their concerns. Both are linked below.

Bell County East to Big Hill Meeting Material

Questionnaire

This is a very personal decision, but please consider these facts, before you decide:

- Even in the event that the utilities offer generous compensation, this is a permanent easement that will make your land harder to sell, harder to finance (for those that would want to buy it), undesirable for those who would want to develop the land, and less attractive for any future generations that might inherit the land.

- In a study of over 5,400 vacant lots in South Carolina, properties directly adjacent to high-voltage power lines lost an average of 45% in value. 

- Land owners can negotiate for damages, full market value loss, access control, legal costs, appraisal fees, survey expenses, and ongoing access restrictions and environmental restoration. It is suggested to consult with an experienced attorney concerning these negotiations.

- This easement will be a lifelong liability on your land, and could be the reason your land sells for less, or doesn't sell at all.