MADISON — Rep. Travis Tranel today testified before the Senate Committee on Utilities, Technology and Tourism in support of Senate Bill 3, legislation that restores local control over the siting of large-scale wind and solar projects in Wisconsin communities. Tranel is a coauthor of the bill alongside Sen. Howard Marklein.
“Communities deserve a meaningful voice when large industrial wind and solar projects are proposed in their backyard,” said Tranel. “Senate Bill 3 restores local control and ensures the people most affected by these developments have the opportunity to weigh in before final decisions are made.”
Senate Bill 3 requires developers of wind or solar projects of fifteen megawatts or more to obtain approval from each city, village, or town where the project would be located before the Public Service Commission can grant final approval. The bill also establishes a clear timeline for decision-making, giving local governments up to ninety days to approve or deny a project.
“These projects can have real impacts on rural communities, from housing development to school enrollment and the future of our farmland,” Tranel said. “Local leaders understand these impacts best and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are made.”
Tranel thanked Sen. Howard Marklein for his leadership in advancing the legislation and for securing a Senate hearing on the bill.
“I appreciate Senator Marklein’s leadership and his work to ensure this important legislation received a hearing in the Senate,” said Tranel. “Ensuring rural communities have a voice in these decisions is critical, and I’m grateful for his partnership in moving this issue forward.”
“Bottom line: Wisconsin needs comprehensive energy reform that meets the state’s energy needs, ensures reliability, contains costs, respects local input, and preserves prime farmland for future generations,” Tranel added. “Senate Bill 3 puts us on the right path to achieving these goals.”
Rep. Tranel, a family dairy farmer, represents the 49th Assembly District, which includes Crawford County, most of Grant County, and part of Vernon County.
