Proposed High-Voltage Power Line Divides Texas Hill Country

Landowners and environmentalists raise concerns over potential damage to rivers, aquifers, and wildlife habitats.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A proposed 765-kilovolt power line project in Texas has sparked pushback from landowners and environmental advocates in the Hill Country region. The transmission line, approved by the state legislature in 2023, is intended to help electrify oil and gas fields in the Permian Basin and power data centers. However, opponents argue the project could cause irreparable damage to spring-fed rivers, aquifer recharge zones, and untouched ranch land due to the project's large footprint and potential impact on the area's karst topography.

Why it matters

The Texas Hill Country is known for its natural beauty, spring-fed rivers, and sensitive aquifer systems. Residents and advocates are concerned that the massive power line infrastructure could disrupt these fragile ecosystems, with potentially long-lasting consequences. The debate highlights the tension between the state's energy needs and the preservation of its rural landscapes and water resources.

The details

The proposed transmission line would stretch from southwest San Antonio to West Texas, cutting through the Hill Country region. The project would require a 200-foot-wide utility easement and the construction of massive transmission towers with deep underground footings. Opponents argue this would damage spring-fed rivers, aquifer recharge zones, and wildlife habitats, as the area is characterized by a complex network of underground caves and springs.

  • The 765-kilovolt power line project was approved by the Texas legislature in 2023.
  • CPS Energy and American Electric Power plan to submit a formal application to the Public Utility Commission of Texas by March 2026.
  • Once the application is submitted, Texans will have 30 days to provide public comments.

The players

Hill Country Preservation Coalition

A coalition representing roughly 48,000 people that is advocating for the power line to be routed along existing highways and utility corridors rather than cutting through untouched land.

Jada Jo Smith

A founder of the Hill Country Preservation Coalition who is concerned about the potential damage the power line could cause to the region's sensitive karst topography and spring-fed rivers.

CPS Energy

A utility company that is jointly overseeing the power line project with American Electric Power.

American Electric Power

A utility company that is jointly overseeing the power line project with CPS Energy.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

The state agency that will receive the formal application for the power line project and oversee the public comment period.

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What they’re saying

“These systems run underneath like cave networks. If we puncture those, we really don't know what the damage can be.”

— Jada Jo Smith, Founder, Hill Country Preservation Coalition (ksat.com)

“Once it's gone, you can't get it back.”

— Jada Jo Smith, Founder, Hill Country Preservation Coalition (ksat.com)

“If they don't hear from the public, they think the public is okay and complacent with it.”

— Jada Jo Smith, Founder, Hill Country Preservation Coalition (ksat.com)

“We all run on water, and we can't live without it.”

— Jada Jo Smith, Founder, Hill Country Preservation Coalition (ksat.com)

What’s next

CPS Energy and American Electric Power plan to submit a formal application to the Public Utility Commission of Texas by March 2026. Once submitted, Texans will have 30 days to provide public comments on the proposed power line project.

The takeaway

The debate over the proposed high-voltage power line in the Texas Hill Country highlights the ongoing tension between the state's energy infrastructure needs and the preservation of its sensitive natural environments. Residents and advocates are determined to ensure the project is routed in a way that minimizes damage to the region's rivers, aquifers, and wildlife habitats.