Does a high voltage power line with 20 story towers and a 45 sq/ft concrete base enhance or diminish the value of your remaining property? High voltage power lines can negatively impact property values, though the extent of the impact varies. Studies suggest potential discounts ranging from 15% to 50% for properties having a transmission line, directly adjacent to or with a view of the lines. The impact is generally more significant for properties closer to the lines. Elaboration: •Proximity and Visibility: Property directly adjacent to power lines or with a clear view of them tend to experience the most significant value reductions. •Distance Matters: The impact generally diminishes with distance from the power lines. •Other Factors: The impact on visual appeal and potential health concerns related to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can also contribute to the overall impact on property values. •Study Findings: Some studies indicate a 15-50% drop in property values within a certain distance of high voltage lines. Others suggest a 44.9% reduction in vacant lot values near power lines. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value#:~:text=A%202018%20study%20from%20the,to%20sell%20for%2017.9%25%20less. Does the line increase your liability and potentially jeopardize your ability to get insurance on your property? High voltage power lines can impact insurance coverage, particularly related to property value and perception of health risks, though not necessarily in a way that drastically changes coverage types. While there's no definitive scientific link between power lines and health problems, the perception of a potential risk can lead to decreased property values and potentially affect insurance premiums or make it harder to obtain coverage. Elaboration: •Property Value: Proximity to high voltage lines can negatively impact property values, sometimes by 15-50% or more. This is due to the perception of potential health risks and the stigma associated with living near power lines, which can make properties harder to sell and may require discounts. •Health Concerns: While there's no definitive link between power lines and health problems, some studies have raised concerns about potential links to increased rates of certain cancers, particularly leukemia, in children. Other concerns are possible interference with medical implant devices, such as pacemakers. Some studies have shown links but most studies haven't found a strong association. There have been only limited studies in the United States. •Perception and Insurance: The perception of potential health risks, even if not scientifically proven, can influence insurance decisions. It may lead to higher premiums, or in some cases, insurance companies may be less willing to provide coverage for properties near high voltage lines. •Distance: The distance from the power lines is a crucial factor in assessing the impact. Generally, EMFs from power lines are considered to decrease significantly beyond 200 meters (650 feet). However, the perception of a potential problem can extend beyond this distance, impacting property values. •Safety Considerations: Safety regulations require minimum clearance distances when working near power lines. This is also relevant to insurance as it can influence the likelihood of accidents and potential claims. There can also be an increased fire risk in high wind situations which has had insurance impacts in areas such as California. •No Blanket Impact: It's important to remember that high voltage lines don't automatically mean a property is ineligible for insurance. The specific situation, including the distance from the lines, the perceived risk, and the insurance company's policies, will determine the actual impact. Does giving permanent easement and access limit your ongoing property rights? A permanent easement grants continuous, indefinite rights to use a portion of someone else's property for a specific purpose. Unlike temporary easements, permanent easements are not time-limited and typically remain in effect indefinitely, unless terminated through a legal process. These rights are tied to the property and transfer with ownership. Key aspects of permanent easements: •Indefinite duration: They continue indefinitely, unlike temporary easements which have specific time frames. •Attached to the property: They are not tied to a specific owner, but rather to the land itself. •Transfer with ownership: They are typically included in the deed and transfer to any new owner of the property. Key Differences in Temporary vs. Permanent Easements | Guiding Legal Counsel The easement agreements typically include language that they can sell, lease, mortgage, and use the easement as collateral. In substance most of the property rights go with the easement, yet the landowner is still responsible for fencing, maintenance, and taxes of base property. What about eminent domain? Has it been implied or intimated that the transmission company can obtain your property using eminent domain? This is not an established fact. It is not clear that a private company not serving a public purpose, i.e. not a public utility directly serving end customers, can use eminent domain. We have had advocacy groups and attorneys indicate that they do not believe that these companies have the right to use eminent domain. Oklahoma statutes are not entirely clear or tested on this matter and this is something that we are seeking for the legislature to clarify and ask that all to contact their legislators to support. Even if a judge were to rule that eminent domain could be used the easement cannot be granted without compensation. Practice has shown that often payment in eminent domain cases is greater than what the company had offered. Do not be threatened into an agreement that you do not want.