Clean Wisconsin: Approved transmission line to bypass sensitive Van Loon wetlands

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.