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Board requests detailed information and formally opposes proposed 765 kV transmission line
Summary
After public comment opposing a proposed 765 kV transmission line, the board adopted information-request resolutions asking utilities to provide maps, engineering, environmental, and cost data and separately adopted a resolution formally opposing the project in the Driftless Area. Supervisors emphasized risks to agriculture, tourism, geology and property values.
Public comment at the March 19 meeting focused heavily on a proposed 765 kV transmission line and related infrastructure. Representative Tara Johnson noted legislative activity (LRB6527) to clarify siting law; several residents urged the board to scrutinize proposed routes and environmental impacts. Supervisor Mary Henry said the project "is not a good thing for Vernon County," citing potential harm to agriculture, tourism and property values.
The board adopted Resolutions 2026-17 and 2026-18 directing utilities and developers to provide detailed information — including maps of eligible routes, tower designs and sizes, corridor widths, construction access documentation, costs to ratepayers, vegetation management plans, karst and wetland protections, and measurements of sound and magnetic fields — with amended language asking "any and all utilities that serve residents of Vernon County" to respond. The board also adopted Resolution 2026-19 formally opposing siting a 765 kV high-voltage transmission line through Vernon County and the Driftless Area, citing risks to natural resources and community character.
The resolutions include many technical information requests intended to inform future comment to state regulators and legislators; board members and committee chairs indicated the documents will be used to request presentations and to inform state-level policy recommendations.
