WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden is calling on Governor Tony Evers to immediately halt plans for two massive 765-kV transmission lines proposed to run through Wisconsin’s Driftless Region.
In a letter sent to Evers today, Van Orden called for a moratorium on the proposed BECI and MariBell transmission lines until serious concerns from affected landowners, farmers, and communities are fully addressed.
The proposed transmission corridors could impose significant burdens on Wisconsin families, including easements, restrictions on future development, impacts to agricultural operations, changes to property values, and environmental consequences.
Van Orden is also demanding answers about the potential impact of the projects on groundwater, warning that Wisconsin landowners should not be forced to bear the risk of construction when basic questions about the projects’ environmental impact remain unanswered.
>> WisPolitics is now on the State Affairs network. Get custom keyword notifications, bill tracking and all WisPolitics content. Get the app or access via desktop.
Van Orden is urging Evers to use his authority over the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to enact an immediate moratorium and ensure the concerns of affected Wisconsin families are fully addressed before either project proceeds.
State Senator Howard Marklein, State Representative Travis Tranel, and State Representative Tony Kurtz also signed onto Van Orden’s letter to Governor Evers.
Full letter is attached.
