Troxclair takes public stance against transmission line project
House District 19 rep. Ellen Troxclair has taken a formal, public stance against the proposed Bell County East to Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Project. Courtesy photo and stock image
In a Jan. 16 letter addressed to the Public Utility Commission of Texas and its commissioners, House District 19 rep. Ellen Troxclair expressed her opposition to the current plans for a massive state transmission line project that would cut through Burnet County.
Troxclair is the latest official to take a vocal stance against the Bell County East to Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Project, which, if it comes to fruition, would string up over 200 miles of high-voltage powerlines on 15-story towers between Bell and Schleicher counties, with all possible routes running through rural northern Burnet County.
“Texas is a global leader in energy production, and that leadership has historically been achieved through careful consideration of private property rights and natural resources,” wrote Troxclair. “Consistent with those principles, I write to convey the significant concerns raised by residents of Burnet County within House District 19 related to the proposed routing and structure specifications of this project.”
The PUCT project, as proposed, would be built out by Oncor Electric Delivery and the Lower Colorado River Authority. Both organizations are still in the planning stages of the process, and are expected to submit their applications and proposals to the PUCT sometime in the spring of this year.
“As currently proposed, these (transmission line) structures and routes present substantial and long-term adverse impacts, including but not limited to effect on wildlife habitat, agricultural operations, tourism, property values, historic ranch lands, water quality and sedimentation, and public health and safety,” Troxclair continued.
The transmission line project has been a major point of concern in Burnet County since the Commissioners Court became fully aware of it in May 2025. According to the PUCT, the transmission line’s purpose is to bring reliable power from Central Texas to far West Texas to serve a growing demand for energy in that region.
Many landowners in Burnet County are worried that the lines will have an outsized impact on their properties.
“The Texas Hill Country is a uniquely valuable region characterized by sensitive aquifers, working ranch lands, scenic landscapes, and historically significant properties, all of which warrant careful consideration in the routing of major transmission infrastructure,” the letter continues.
The Burnet County Commissioners Court has taken several steps in opposition to the transmission project, and many residents have expressed their strong opposition through public protests and frequent comments at local government meetings.
“My office and I have engaged extensively with affected landowners, small business owners, natural resource experts, and local municipal and county officials regarding the proposed routes,” reads the closing paragraph of Troxclair’s letter. “There is broad and unified opposition to the current proposals, and a shared expectation that, if the (PUCT) determines the project is necessary, routing and structure decisions should reflect the highest degree of sensitivity to the existing land use, community character, and human ecology of the region.”
Background on the Bell County East to Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line
The Bell County East to Big Hill 765-kV Transmission Project has been on Burnet County’s radar since May 2025. Since then, public opposition and protest has risen and the county has officially taken up opposition to the state project.
The transmission line project’s intention is to bring power to West Texas, but many Burnet County residents believe that it would be at the expense of Hill Country landowners.
Read the DailyTrib stories below to learn more:
- ”Massive transmission line would cut through Burnet County,” June 6, 2025
- ”Burnet County considers careful next steps in response to transmission line,” June 25, 2025
- “Burnet County seeks legal counsel for transmission line project,” July 10, 2025
- “Burnet County OKs funds for transmission line legal help,” July 22, 2025
- “Power line project protesters: Why here?,” Oct. 13, 2025
- “Questions raised, but few answered, at transmission line town hall,” Oct. 24, 2025
- “Burnet County takes official stance against transmission line,” Oct. 29, 2025
- “Oncor and LCRA update transmission line timeline,” Nov. 4, 2025
- “Llano County joins transmission line opposition,” Nov. 11, 2025
- “Transmission line opposition creates protest schedule and theme song ‘Two Hundred Miles of Greed’,” Nov. 24, 2025