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Then, in the Tribune’s Hometown section, I read about growing opposition in La Crescent, Minn., to a plan by Xcel Energy, Dairyland Power and nine other utilities to build a high-voltage power line through La Crescent and across the Mississippi River to La Crosse so they can sell power to Milwaukee and Chicago. I believe Wisconsin residents should also voice our opposition to these towers.
While the energy corporations reap profits in the short term from shipping energy from huge coal plants in the Dakotas to large urban areas east of us, we will pay the cost in increased electrical bills, decreased property values near the 14-story towers, diminished natural environment and, according to some, increased health risks. Immune system disorders, leukemia and mental illness increase for those in proximity to these high voltage lines.
Finally, if we allow these electricity super highway power lines to be built, it will encourage the construction of more coal plants. A single coal plant emits as much CO2 in a year as a million SUVs. There’s no such thing as clean coal power.
Those concerned about these high voltage lines can write U.S. Administrative Law Judge Beverly J. Heydinger, Office of Administrative Hearings, 600 N. Robert St., P.O. Box 64620, St. Paul, MN 55164-0620; or e-mail capx.oah@state.mn.us. Judge Heydinger will be receiving comments until Sept. 26.
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