Contact:
Katie Nekola, General Counsel,
608.251.7020 ext. 14,
608.212.8751 (cell)
Public Service Commission approves alternative route
MADISON – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) unanimously approved an alternative route for the CapX2020 power line project in Western Wisconsin today that avoids the sensitive Van Loon wetlands in La Crosse County.
“The Van Loon is designated a wetland of international importance and is home to a variety of sensitive species including thousands of bird species,” said Katie Nekola, attorney at Clean Wisconsin. “The utilities’ first choice for a route would have required destructive construction in these sensitive wetlands and thus left them at risk.”
Constructing power lines in the Van Loon Wetlands would have disturbed habitat for many endangered species, destroyed thousands of rare native wetlands plants and introduced new invasive species, according to expert testimony provided during PSC hearings. Both Clean Wisconsin experts and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff provided testimony about the importance of the Van Loon wetlands.
“The Van Loon Wildlife Area is a popular location to hunt, fish, canoe, hike, and bird watch,” said Nekola. “We commend the PSC Commissioners for choosing a route that avoids these sensitive and beautiful wetlands.” In addition to choosing a more environmentally friendly route, the PSC required the company constructing the line to use independent environmental monitors, who have the power to stop construction if unnecessary environmental impacts occur.
“Independent environmental monitors ensure that construction companies don’t take shortcuts that lead to environmental harm,” said Nekola. “The Public Service Commission’s decision today helps protect our natural resources by minimizing the environmental impact of this transmission line.”
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Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization, protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy by being an effective voice in the state legislature and by holding elected officials and polluters accountable. Founded in 1970 as Wisconsin’s Environmental Decade, Clean Wisconsin exposes corporate polluters, makes sure existing environmental laws are enforced, and educates citizens and businesses. On behalf of its 10,000 members and its coalition partners, Clean Wisconsin protects the special places that make Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live, work and play. 608-251-7020, information@cleanwisconsin.org, http://www.cleanwisconsin.org.