Report casts doubt on big power line project for La Crosse area

Posted on | November 18, 2011 | No Comments

A report by Wisconsin Public Service Commission staff says a proposed high-voltage power line that would cross the Mississippi River from Minnesota into Wisconsin near La Crosse may not be justified — at least, in terms of the needs of the La Crosse area.

The draft environmental impact statement, released this week, raises doubts about the CapX2020 project coming into Wisconsin.

by Judy Newman, Wisconsin State Journal, November 17, 2011 click for details

Wisconsin regulators question CapX2020 power-line proposal

Posted on | November 18, 2011 | No Comments

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission isn’t convinced the La Crosse-area population will increase enough to justify a proposed $450 million, 345-kilovolt transmission line.

The proposed CapX2020 line would extend about 150 miles from Hampton, Minn., to the La Crosse area, crossing the Mississippi River at Alma and ending at a new substation near Holmen. Construction would begin in 2013, with the line in service by 2015

The Public Service Commission, a state regulatory agency, released a preliminary review of the project this week that questioned some CapX2020 projections

by Mary Juhl, Winona Daily News, November 17, 2011 click here for details

(Monday Nov. 14) at 7p.m., Holmen School District Considers Resolution Tonight

Posted on | November 14, 2011 | No Comments

The Holmen WI, School District Board of Education will consider a resolution opposing the CapX2020 high voltage power line, targeted to be built adjacent to schools in the district. CETF representatives will be speaking and a substantial crowd of concerned district residents are expected to attend. Location: School District of Holmen Board Room, 1019 McHugh Rd., Holmen, WI.

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT QUESTIONS CapX2020 POWER LINE NEED.

Posted on | November 14, 2011 | No Comments

Madison, WI, November 14, 2011—An environmental report released last week from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) on the CapX2020 project confirms what Citizens Energy Task Force (CETF) and other citizen groups have previously stated—the ultra-high voltage power line project is not needed.

   “The conclusions of the November 8, 2011 document (Alma—La Crosse 345KV Transmission Project Volume- Draft Environmental Impact Statement - 1 PSCW Docket 5-CE-136*) reveals PSC skepticism about the project,” explained George Nygaard, CETF intervenor spokesperson, “Projections of growth peak energy load demand submitted by CapX applicants are more than double the projections deemed realistic by PSC staff, which demonstrates a serious lack of need. The utilities have failed to demonstrate the required need for the project. The results give our area (Western Wisconsin/Southern Minnesota) a window of opportunity to promote local jobs producing energy conservation and efficiency measures as well as decentralized renewable energy options.”

Media Alert 11 14, 2011 Click here for the details

Summary File of Report

Editoral: Oppose high voltage power line proposal

Posted on | November 12, 2011 | No Comments

 On Monday, the Holmen School Board will discuss a resolution opposing the high voltage power line from Alma to Madison. A major concern is the proximity of the line to three schools and the district office.

Since 1979, studies have shown a 2-3 times higher rate of childhood cancers in children who live close to a high voltage line. Recent studies show an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias in adults who live close to a line. Power companies deny any health risk. They say that persistent statistical correlations noted for 32 years mean nothing.

by Linda Van Art La Crosse Tribune Friday Nov 11,2011 Click here for details

Residents protest proposed power lines in La Crosse

Posted on | October 22, 2011 | No Comments

LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) - Opponents of a proposed power line project slated to pass through La Crosse County held a demonstration outside the county board meeting Thursday night. The power lines, dubbed as the Badger Coulee Line, would provide power from North Dakota and would pass through Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The Citizens Energy Task Force gathered outside the La Crosse County Administrative Building holding a long string of petitions signed by 550 local residents. They want the board to oppose the power lines or at least delay a vote on approval or opposition to the project.

WXOW Ocotober 20, 2011 Click here for detail  Click here for WXOW video

Great media coverage regarding concerns about CapX2020 - Joe Morse, President CETF is interviewed:

Posted on | October 7, 2011 | No Comments

http://www.news8000.com/news/video/?v=26734

CapX2020 power line project gets federal fast-track

Posted on | October 6, 2011 | No Comments

The White House announced plans Wednesday to speed up federal approval of a controversial high voltage power line planned for the area.

The CapX2020 line, which will connect power stations in Hampton, Minn., Rochester and La Crosse, was one of seven projects tagged by the Obama administration as key for creating jobs while modernizing the nation’s electric system.

“To compete in the global economy, we need a modern electricity grid,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement. “An upgraded electricity grid will give consumers choices while promoting energy savings, increasing energy efficiency and fostering the growth of renewable energy resources.”

Chris Hubbach, LaCrosse Tribune, October 6, 2011 Click for Details

CETF Members speak out

Posted on | October 5, 2011 | No Comments

CETF Members speak out as resolution is presented to Planning, Resource Development committee of La Crosse County. (Previously approved by Sustainable La Crosse Commission). The committee asked for more information before approving the resolution- which will be reviewed at a later date, then on to the full county board of supervisors for approval.

County panel stops short of opposing power line projects

Posted on | October 5, 2011 | No Comments

A La Crosse County committee wants a state study on two proposed high-voltage transmission line projects in the region but stripped stronger language against the plans from a draft resolution Monday.

October 4, 2011 Betsy Bloom, LaCrosse Tribune Click for Details