Group seeks to fight ‘largest transmission line ever constructed’ in Wisconsin
A proposed electric transmission line upgrade, the MariBell Transmission Project, in Wisconsin's Driftless region is facing a lawsuit and strong opposition from local farmers and homeowners. Opponents are concerned about land seizure, environmental impact, and lack of local benefits, while proponents argue it's necessary for grid improvement and data center performance. A lawsuit has been filed in Vernon County seeking an injunction.
Local farmers and homeowners in Wisconsin's Driftless region, particularly Vernon County, are actively opposing the MariBell Transmission Project, a proposed high-voltage electric line upgrade partly owned by Dairyland Power Cooperative. The project, which also involves GridLiance Heartland and was approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), is intended to enhance grid reliability and support data center performance in the Upper Midwest. However, residents like Genoa farmer Tim Woodhouse, who leads the "Coalition Against Maribel 765," argue the lines will not benefit local communities, threaten their land through eminent domain, and cause environmental and property value concerns.
The Coalition Against Maribel 765 has filed a lawsuit in Vernon County against Dairyland and GridLiance, seeking an injunction to halt the construction of what they describe as "the largest transmission line ever constructed in the state of Wisconsin." Viroqua Mayor Krista Browne echoed concerns about the project's scale and its perceived lack of public benefit despite its purported role in enabling electrification and AI growth.
Dairyland Power Cooperative and MISO maintain that the 200-foot-tall transmission towers and associated infrastructure are crucial for updating the system and carrying increased electricity demand, especially from renewable generation located far from consumption centers, including new data centers. While Dairyland presented project details to the Vernon County Board of Supervisors, opponents like Woodhouse and Browne feel there has been insufficient community engagement. The coalition awaits a court date, hoping the Wisconsin Public Service Commission will intervene in light of strong local opposition.