Earlier this session, Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) and I circulated legislation requiring local elected officials and municipalities to sign off on large-scale wind and solar projects before they go through the Public Service Commission (PSC) approval process.

This bill was inspired by people like you. Many residents of southwestern Wisconsin have shared their concerns that their local officials have no voice in the process of approving industrial wind and solar projects. These projects have significant impacts on our communities and many local officials and residents of municipalities that are impacted by these projects feel their voices are being ignored during the process.

The PSC, which is an unelected three-member board in Madison, has substantial influence over what happens in rural Wisconsin. When huge, industrial wind and solar projects are proposed, the developers need approval only from the PSC. Because town boards and local government have no say in the process, many factors are not taken into account. Local officials could take into consideration factors such as the long-term impact on agriculture, property values of neighbors, aesthetics of the project, and public sentiment before making their decision.

Under current state law, the PSC is responsible for granting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for proposed large wind and solar facilities without any approval from local officials. This bill would give local officials a seat at the table in these discussions. Our bill would require all municipalities where the proposed project would be located to pass a resolution approving or rejecting the proposed project before it goes to the PSC. This change in the process would allow neighbors and community members to weigh in on the local level before the PSC makes their decision.

I appreciate everyone who has reached out to my office with concerns about large wind and solar projects going up in their communities. I have heard you loud and clear. Representative Tranel and I introduced this bill early on in the legislative session to make it a top priority. Restoring control to local officials and empowering them to have a voice in this process is a common-sense reform.

As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call our team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready, and willing, to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.