Alabama Power Should Listen When President Trump’s Landowners Envoy Comes Calling

A dispute over private property in Shelby County has grown into something much bigger than a disagreement between one Alabama landowner and Alabama Power. It now raises an important question for conservatives across our state: How seriously are powerful institutions taking the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting American landowners?

President Donald Trump appointed country music star John Rich as Special Envoy for American Landowners, a position specifically created to advocate for farmers, ranchers and private property owners facing government overreach or pressure from powerful outside interests. Rich was formally sworn in at the White House in July. 

That makes what is happening in Shelby County worth paying attention to.

Landowner Fenn Church is fighting Alabama Power’s attempt to obtain three easements across his property through eminent domain. According to Rich, Church has identified an alternative route roughly 200 yards away across property that has already been timbered. Rich says he has been unable to obtain satisfactory answers explaining why that alternative cannot be used. 

Rich says he attempted to speak directly with Alabama Power leadership. Instead, according to his account, his inquiries were handled by outside counsel. After conversations and written questions involving USDA, Rich says he still did not receive the substantive answers he was seeking. Alabama Power declined an invitation to appear on Leland Whaley’s radio program, citing pending litigation, but provided a statement that Whaley read on the air. 

There is an important distinction here.

John Rich isn’t simply a celebrity complaining about a utility company. He is an official representative of the Trump administration charged with advocating for American landowners. USDA described his mission as ensuring landowners’ concerns are heard and their property rights protected. 

Alabama Power therefore should recognize the significance of who is asking these questions.

Donald Trump is President of the United States. His administration has made protection of private property and America’s farmers and landowners a priority. Rich says Trump told him America can pursue energy dominance while simultaneously treating landowners with respect. Those two objectives do not have to conflict. 

That is an especially important message in Alabama, one of the most Republican and pro-Trump states in America.

None of this means Alabama Power should abandon necessary infrastructure projects. Reliable and affordable electricity is critical to Alabama’s families, businesses, manufacturing facilities and growing technology sector. Utilities sometimes legitimately need easements to maintain and expand the electrical grid.

But eminent domain is an extraordinary power, because ultimately it can result in an American losing control over property he owns.

Conservatives should therefore demand that it be exercised carefully, transparently and only after reasonable alternatives have been seriously considered.

If the President’s Special Envoy for American Landowners contacts a company regarding an eminent-domain dispute, the appropriate response should be engagement at the highest reasonable level—not allowing the situation to deteriorate until the envoy believes he has to take the dispute to what Rich called the “court of public opinion.” 

Going forward, Alabama Power should recognize the authority and purpose behind Rich’s position and work directly with him when legitimate landowner concerns arise.

This isn’t about being anti-Alabama Power. It isn’t about being anti-energy.

It’s about something much more fundamental to the conservative movement: private property rights.

President Trump selected John Rich to make sure ordinary Americans aren’t ignored when powerful institutions come knocking on their doors.

Alabama Power—and every other powerful corporation or government entity operating in this state—would be wise to recognize that mandate before the next dispute reaches this point.

Angela McClure, the Host of Angela’s Sweet Tea and Politics, blends Southern charm and grit. A Montgomery Alabama native with a B.S. in Psychology, advanced cyber security, and Juris Doctorate. She is also a trained opera singer and owns a real estate closing firm in Huntsville. An advocate for Democracy and American patriotism, Angela’s fearless voice shines. She ran as a Republican for Huntsville school board and Alabama State House, earning the nickname “Fox News Barbie" from the Democrat Left. A former Trump Advance associate with the White House, she champions conservative values. McClure is a regular contributor to ALPolitics.com.

Angela’s Sweet Tea and Politics is may be heard on Spotify.

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