Residents of Glen Rose, Texas, are mounting a vigorous campaign against a proposed high-voltage transmission line planned by Oncor Electric. This project poses a potential threat to the nearby Dinosaur Valley State Park, which is a significant economic asset due to its renowned dinosaur tracks. The park attracts approximately 230,000 visitors annually and serves as a vital part of the local economy.
The proposed transmission line, which would span roughly 250 miles from the park to a substation in West Texas, aims to enhance the state’s electrical grid and support the growing electrification of oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin. However, residents are concerned about its impacts on the park’s natural beauty, wildlife habitats, and tourism.
Joe Boles, the mayor of Glen Rose, has expressed worries that the high-voltage towers, which would stand between 130 and 140 feet tall, could disrupt the park’s “primitive, prehistoric” appearance. The route under consideration involves three potential connections to a switch station and could encircle the park, leading to significant visual and environmental consequences.
Local grassroots organizations, including the Dinosaur Valley–Paluxy River Protection Alliance, are actively mobilizing community support. They are organizing events, creating awareness through merchandise, and encouraging residents to voice their objections to Oncor. State Representative Helen Kerwin has also voiced her concerns, deeming the park the “crown jewel” of Texas’ park system and emphasizing the need to protect it from potential environmental damage.
The proposed transmission line would require a right of way approximately 200 feet wide, traversing both public and private lands. Residents fear that the project could lead to habitat fragmentation and negatively impact migratory bird corridors, which are critical to maintaining the area’s biodiversity.
In response to the mounting opposition, Oncor has stated that it has consulted with numerous landowners and held public meetings to address local concerns. The company recognizes the project’s significance and asserts its commitment to ongoing community engagement. According to Oncor, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) will consider various factors, including recreational and park areas, historical and aesthetic values, and environmental integrity, when reviewing the proposed routes.
Oncor plans to submit its proposal to the PUC in February 2024, which will allow for additional public comments. Landowners who feel their properties may be adversely affected can also request a state administrative hearing.
The situation encapsulates the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and environmental preservation. As Glen Rose residents continue to advocate for their park and community, the future of Dinosaur Valley State Park hinges on the decisions made by regulatory bodies and the outcomes of this local struggle. The long-term ramifications for the area’s ecosystem and economy remain a pressing concern for those who call Glen Rose home.
