The Western Spirit Transmission Line will bring about tremendous rural economic development, create hundreds of jobs, and dramatically reduce carbon dioxide pollutants by millions of tons. This project will also make possible over $1 billion worth of investments in new renewable energy projects, which could not otherwise be built due to the limitations of the existing electric transmission grid. In addition, the collective wind farms made possible by the transmission line will support the manufacturing of new wind turbines. This enables significant financial contribution to local communities through employment opportunities, property taxes, and landowner royalties. State and local governments can use these additional tax revenues to support local community needs, such as improvements to schools, hospitals, fire departments, and police services.
In addition to job creation benefits, consumers in the West—both residential and commercial businesses—will benefit from lower prices created by low-cost renewable energy the project will make possible. Stronger transmission links between regions will lead to a more reliable electric grid, as well.
