DRIFTLESS - In response to growing community concerns about the impact of large-scale utility infrastructure, recently, Wisconsin State Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) and State Representative Tara Johnson (D-Shelby) introduced legislation to modernize Wisconsin’s energy siting priorities.

The legislation seeks to redirect the Public Service Commission (PSC) to prioritize existing transportation rights-of-way and advanced underground technology for ‘mega’ transmission projects.

Current state law provides a general hierarchy for siting, but this new proposal creates a specific, rigorous standard for the largest projects. By focusing on High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems and undergrounding within existing interstate, highway, and railroad corridors, the bill aims to reduce the footprint of new energy infrastructure on private land and local landscapes.

Senator Brad Pfaff released the following statement:

"We have heard the concerns of residents regarding projects like MariBell loud and clear. This bill ensures that our state energy policy keeps pace with modern engineering. By prioritizing consolidated utility corridors and undergrounding along our existing highways, we can maintain a reliable electric grid while protecting the environment and the character of our local communities."

Representative Tara Johnson released the following statement:

“Costs of ratepayers and reliability of service remain a top priority, but we also must consider the long-term public safety of these projects. Under these new guidelines, we are moving toward a grid that is more protected from ice storms and high winds that frequently knock out overhead power, providing a safer environment for our farmers and rural neighbors."

Changing siting priorities

The bill modifies Wisconsin's energy policy to establish a new ‘First Priority’ for mega transmission systems, provided they meet economic and engineering standards:

• Consolidated Utility Corridors: Maximizing the use of land already dedicated to utility infrastructure.

• Modern Undergrounding: Utilizing High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) or other underground facilities specifically within the rights-of-way of interstate highways, U.S. and state highways, or railroads.

This shifts the focus away from the current broad categories, which often lead to the development of new corridors. Under this proposal, the preservation of the landscape and the use of existing state-owned transportation routes become the PSC's primary objectives when siting mega transmission lines.