Wisconsin regulators issue final environmental statement on CapX2020
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is questioning the need of a proposed power line that would run through parts of western Wisconsin.
The commission released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the CapX2020 project Wednesday afternoon.
Click here for all documents related to the CapX2020 project from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
The CapX2020 project would build about 150-miles of powerlines from Minnesota to Wisconsin that cross the river at Alma and then run toward La Crosse.
The 11 utility companies that are part of the project, including Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative, say the line is needed to get energy to a population that has grown and is using more energy since the last infrastructure upgrade 30 years ago.
Opponents, including the Citizens Energy Task Force, say CapX2020 is not needed. They say studies show there is plenty of energy in western Wisconsin and that the power lines, which are one hundred feet tall, or more, would harm habitat and scenic views along the Mississippi River.
In the final EIS, the Public Service Commission says “It is not clear that there will be sufficient population growth in the La Crosse/Winona are to justify the projected increase in demand for electricity.”
The report also references concerns from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in constructing power lines along Highway 35 and potential impact on habitat and scenic views.
The Public Service Commission is holding public hearings on the following dates and times:
March 13 – 1:00pm and 6:00pm – Alma American Legion (501 North Main Street)
March 14 – 1:00pm and 6:00pm – Centerville Community Center (W24854 Highway 54/93)
Public comment on the project needs to be received by the Public Service Commission by March 7. You can click here to submit a comment online, or send a comment to this address:
Docket 5-CE-136 Comments
Public Service Commission
P.O. Box 7854
Madison, WI 53707-7854
