Infrastructure committee backs resolution asking Wisconsin Counties Association to lobby for local control over large energy projects

The Marathon County Infrastructure Committee unanimously recommended that the county board forward a resolution asking the Wisconsin Counties Association to lobby state legislators and the governor for measures that would expand local control over large energy projects.

The committee voted to send the resolution to the full county board after a public briefing and discussion. Administrator Leonard told the committee the resolution originated with a county board member and that the Environmental Resources Committee had already approved it. "They had not taken a formal position on the senate and assembly bill referenced in the resolution," Leonard said during the briefing.

Vice Chair Dickinson said he supported following the Environmental Resources Committee and moved to approve the resolution as written; the motion was seconded by Soybert. Chad, participating remotely, described the bills’ scope: "This legislation is giving township, cities, and villages the ability to say no to these projects," he said, adding that if a municipality approves a project it would still have to negotiate developer agreements for roads and other impacts.

Supervisor Sweibert asked whether the change would affect the Public Service Commission’s authority. Leonard and staff said the packet and bill text explain scope and that the resolution only requests the association to lobby; it does not itself change any legal authority. The resolution specifically references legislation affecting projects roughly above a 100-megawatt threshold.

The committee chair called for the vote: members responded "aye," with no opposed votes recorded. The committee’s recommendation will go to the full county board for consideration; staff noted the county board may refine language or postpone action until after town meetings if members prefer.

Votes at a glance: the Infrastructure Committee approved forwarding the local-control resolution (motion by Dickinson; second by Soybert) with unanimous support; the committee earlier approved minutes from its Dec. 4, 2025 meeting (motion by Dickinson; second by Soybert) and later adjourned (motion by Greiner; second by Soybert).

What happens next: The resolution will be placed on the county board agenda for its next scheduled meeting; if the board approves it, the Wisconsin Counties Association would be asked to lobby in favor of the bills referenced in the resolution.