by Michael Robinson| Uvalde Hesperian
Top Image by Andrew Martin from Pixabay
10-16-25
Uvalde County Commissioners voted at the Tuesday, October 13th meeting to approve a resolution opposing the Howard Solstice Transmission Line project’s proposed routes though Uvalde County. The vote was taken after a presentation by Environmental Attorney Kirk Rasmussen representing AEP going over the process of selecting the final 200 feet right of way paths which could cut through state- and privately-owned property in Uvalde County and the Hill Country.
Uvalde County Commissioner John Yeackle voiced concerns that the project would negatively impact property values, tourism and the environment.
Several Citizens including Texas Hill County River Region Executive Director Kristi Gerdes and Hill County Alliance Board member Julie Lewey voiced their concerns over the environmental impact the project would cause in the Texas Hill County.
Van McElroy also spoke against the measure stating that the easement and construction of the transmission line. “It would devastate us,” he said.
Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell stated he could see no local benefit to the project.
According to information on the AEP Texas website, it reads: “
The Howard-Solstice Transmission Line Project is one of three 765-kV transmission lines to be constructed along the 765-kV import paths approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) on April 24 as part of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan. The project will provide new pathways to deliver additional power to the region.
AEP Texas will build the line as part of a jointly assigned project. The construction involves building approximately 300 miles of transmission line connecting AEP Texas’ Solstice Substation near Fort Stockton to a substation near San Antonio. The extra high voltage transmission lines approved by the Commission will introduce a more efficient and more reliable delivery system that creates additional opportunities for future growth in communities throughout west Texas.
The project supports the ongoing expansion and electrification of the oil and gas industry in west Texas and the growing electricity needs of the regions’ communities.”
