Vernon County Board passes resolutions fighting proposed mega power lines

The Vernon County Board of Supervisors in Wisconsin unanimously adopted a series of resolutions on March 19, 2026, formally opposing two proposed mega high-voltage transmission lines slated to traverse the county. This action follows months of increasing public dissent over the potential environmental and economic repercussions of the 765-kilovolt lines on the scenic Driftless region. The board's resolutions specifically target developers Dairyland Power Cooperative, NextEra Transmission, and Transource Energy, demanding comprehensive information on alternative routes, cost estimates, and mitigation plans for wildlife habitat and the fragile karst geology. During the meeting, State Representative Tara Johnson (D-Town of Shelby) informed the board about a co-authored bill with Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) aimed at revising state laws for transmission line siting. The proposed legislation would prioritize consolidated utility corridors, underground high voltage direct current (UHVDC) solutions, or co-location with existing infrastructure to preserve the county's bluff views. Resident Rob Danielson challenged the fundamental need for the lines, arguing that the Midcontinent Independent System Operator's (MISO) projections for infrastructure expansion are exaggerated, even accounting for future growth in electric vehicles and data centers. Other residents voiced concerns about the project's impact on agricultural operations, local infrastructure due to heavy construction equipment, and emergency response capabilities. Supervisor Mary Henry highlighted that Vernon County's historical lack of zoning and its cool climate and fresh water make it an attractive target for data centers, which she noted are major drivers for new transmission lines due to their high energy and water demands. Despite County Clerk Jerry Pedretti's confirmation that utility companies and the state's Public Service Commission could override local resolutions, supervisors stressed the importance of documenting local opposition and exploring options for outside legal counsel to intervene in commission hearings.