Country star turned Trump official fights Alabama Power to protect Shelby County man’s dream home
Alabama Power said they could not comment on the situation as it was an ongoing legal matter.
Ethan Parker 
A high-stakes land dispute in Shelby County has drawn national attention as country music star and Trump administration official John Rich steps in to support a local landowner. The member of the iconic duo Big & Rich, who now serves as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Special Envoy for Landowners, is amplifying the concerns of Fenn Church, a resident fighting to protect the land he bought for his retirement.
The Conflict Over Property Rights
Church, 60, says his dream of living out his retirement on the property he spent years saving for is being threatened by Alabama Power. The utility company is seeking an easement for a 230 kV transmission line that would cut through the back of his land. Church claims the company also intends to secure permanent access to his existing road systems.
Under Alabama law, Alabama Power holds the authority to exercise eminent domain to acquire property for public utility improvements. While utilities often utilize rights of way to facilitate infrastructure, Church is pushing for a simple compromise: shifting the proposed line 200 yards onto neighboring land that is already clear-cut.
High-Profile Intervention
John Rich, appointed by President Donald Trump in June, has made advocating for private property rights a cornerstone of his new federal role. The USDA stated that Rich’s position is designed to ensure the rights of farmers, ranchers, and private landowners are protected and their voices heard. Despite Rich’s efforts to intervene on behalf of Church, the singer reports that his outreach has been ignored.
Alabama Power’s Stance
In a statement provided to 205focus.com, Alabama Power declined to discuss the specific details of the dispute, citing ongoing litigation. The utility maintained its commitment to addressing the state’s energy needs while emphasizing that it strives to treat all landowners with fairness and respect.
"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," the company stated.
