March 4, 2024 – Madison, WI – State Representative Ty Bodden (R-Stockbridge) issued the following statement regarding the introduction of legislation relating to requiring local approval for certain wind and solar projects before Public Service Commission approval:
“This bill (LRB-5689/SB1075) will give local municipalities a voice and provide local elected officials the final say on whether or not a wind or solar project can be constructed within their city, village, or town.”
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Under this legislation, before the PSC may approve a CA or a CPCN for the construction of a solar project or wind project, the person seeking the certificate must seek approval from each city, village, and town in which the solar project or wind project is to be located.
Additionally, the PSC may not issue a CPCN or CA for a solar project or wind project unless each city, village, and town in which the project is proposed to be located has adopted a resolution approving the project under this legislation.
“I have been inundated with messages from constituents who heavily oppose these massive wind energy projects being proposed in our area. These life-altering projects for communities should involve government at the local level. Recently, there have been grassroots community informational meetings held to inform the public of the potential downsides of these projects, and these efforts have been growing fast. Communities and locals should have a say. I have been firm on my stance on these issues and have made them public in e-updates, social media posts, and my spring newsletter.”
Rep. Bodden thanks Rep. Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton) and Sen. Cory Tomczyk (R-Mosinee) for leading on this legislation. Additionally, earlier this session, Rep. Bodden and Sen. Jacque (R-De Pere) introduced SB151/AB165, which would have given locals more control over wind energy projects in their communities.
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The 59th Assembly District includes portions of Calumet, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Washington Counties including the communities of Stockbridge, New Holstein, Mount Calvary, St. Cloud, Taycheedah, Campbellsport, Kewaskum, Allenton and Hartford.
