Country star turned Trump official fights Alabama Power to protect man’s dream home

NewsJohn Rich, of the band Big & Rich, performs during Patriots Fest on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Aurora, Ill. (Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP)Rob Grabowski/Invision/APBy Patrick Darrington | pdarrington@al.comOne half of an iconic country music duo is amplifying a Shelby County landowner’s appeal asking Alabama Power to not acquire some of his land through an easement. John Rich, member of Big & Rich and a “Special Envoy for American Landowners” in Trump’s administration, posted a video on social media of the landowner, Fenn Church.Church explained that at the age of 60 he was trying to build his dream home on property he saved years to buy and live out his future retirement in peace. “Well Alabama Power Company has changed that,” Church said. “They want an easement for a 230 kV transmission line on the back side of my property. But worse than that they want all my road systems as their easements permanent easement.”Under Alabama law Alabama Power has the power to exercise eminent domain and acquire private property to be used for public utility improvement, primarily through easements.Church also appears to explain a right of way which is a type of easement that grants a utility the right to use or traverse property based on the terms of an agreement with property owners.Church said he just wants to talk to Alabama Power executives and see if they can move the easement 200 yards off his property to two neighboring properties that already has clear cut land.“All I’m asking them to do is just shift the line over 200 yards,” Church said. Rich said he was attempting to advocate for Church but his “efforts to intervene“ was ignored.This aligns with Rich’s new role as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Special Envoy for Landowners, which he was appointed to in June by President Donald Trump. The singer, famous for his hit song “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy),” has long been a vocal supporter of Trump and conservative causes.“As Special Envoy, Rich will serve as a leading advocate for America’s farmers, ranchers, and private landowners, helping ensure their concerns are heard and their rights are protected,” the USDA said about Rich’s appointment.In a statement to AL.com, Alabama Power said they could not comment on the situation as it was an ongoing legal matter.MORE BY PATRICK DARRINGTON“Alabama Power is dedicated to meeting the state’s growing energy needs and providing reliable service for our customers,” the statement read. “We understand that property is personal, and we’re committed to treating landowners fairly and respectfully throughout the planning and development of infrastructure projects.“Because this matter remains in litigation and the landowner is represented by counsel, we will not address the specifics of the dispute outside the judicial process.”Patrick Darrington is a Breaking News reporter for AL.com. Based in Mobile, Patrick primarily covers stories about public safety in his current role. He has experience covering a range of topics including state...