Taylor council backs resolution opposing Encore 345 kV transmission line, will send letters and photos to officials

The council discussed and approved Resolution R26-08, which expresses the city’s concerns about Encore’s proposed 345-kilovolt transmission line and authorizes the mayor to transmit a letter to members of Congress and state officials requesting routing alternatives that would avoid Taylor.

Mr. Laborde introduced the resolution (noting it was requested by Councilwoman Long), and Councilwoman Long and other members urged including more personal-impact details and photos that illustrate potential visual impacts. Councilmember Long asked that the letter emphasize residents’ concerns about "the big poles that were put up in people's front yards" to help make the case to elected officials and Encore executives. The resolution passed on a motion, with councilmembers signing the letter to be finalized after staff revisions.

Why it matters: The resolution is a formal local government position meant to influence routing decisions by federal, state and private parties on high-voltage transmission infrastructure that would cross or skirt Taylor.

What’s next: Staff will revise the draft letter to include additional personal-impact language and photos; the mayor will transmit the signed letter to representatives and officials as authorized by the resolution.