Big Hill Transmission Line: Kentucky judge blocks EKPC eminent domain bid; appeal moves to higher court

A long-running dispute over the future of a historic Kentucky forest has ended in a significant victory for Berea College, at least at the trial court level. On April 2, 2026, Madison Circuit Court Judge Kristin Clouse ruled against East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC), rejecting its attempt to acquire part of the college's forest for a high-voltage electricity transmission project.

The ruling was first reported by WKYT and further detailed by public radio station WEKU and local publication The Kentucky Edge. The case centred on the proposed Big Hill transmission line, a project intended to improve electricity supply in southeastern Madison County.

EKPC wanted to secure land through eminent domain, a legal process that allows certain authorities and utilities to acquire private property for public use, even when the owner does not agree to sell.The proposed route would have crossed more than 1.5 miles of Berea College Forest, bringing power infrastructure close to prominent natural landmarks, including East Pinnacle and Eagles' Nest, as well as the college's telescope observatory.