As expected, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission has approved the controversial 345,000 volt transmission line across northern Wisconsin.  The August 17 decision, by a 3-0 vote, gives Wisconsin Public Service Corporation permission to move ahead on the 250 mile long line running from Duluth to Wausau.

But opponents are not giving up, in fact, they are fighting on.  Linda Ceylor, a Rusk County dairy farmer and member of SOUL (Save Our Unique Lands), says the need for the line "has not be established beyond a reasonable doubt."  She expects the group's attorneys will file a lawsuit contesting the decision as soon as the ink is dry on the Commission's written order.

Pointing to the past 30+ days of exceedingly hot, humid weather, Ceylor notes that "the Wisconsin grid performed admirably."  She contends that the problems which caused the rolling blackouts in eastern Wisconsin 4 years ago have been fixed.  The electrical reserve margin (the amount of power above peak demand) now measures 18-21% greater than the need, a fact Ceylor says has been acknowledged by transmission officials.

The three PSC Commissioners, however, weren't buying into the changes.  Yet the Commissioners didn't give Wisconsin Public Service and its Minnesota project partner all they wanted, denying the additional 115,000 volt line from Wausau to Rhinelander.  This line would have provided power for the proposed Crandon mine.

Aside from the lawsuit, Ceylor says SOUL will initiate meetings around the region with landowners facing the prospect of land condemnation for the transmission line right-of-way.  The meetings will help landowners better understand their rights when approached by utility representatives.

Ceylor hopes that many of the 1200 landowners who submitted comments to the PSC opposing the line will refuse to sign any agreements with the utility for use of their land.  The potential logjam of condemnation cases before local courts could mire construction plans while allowing the line's opponents time to press their case in court.

SOUL is also hoping the Duluth city council will create another roadblock.  The city must grant its own approval for 2.8 miles of the line, which would require relocation inside the municipality.  Transmission line opponents in the locality are gearing up for the October countil meeting.

With court battles looming, Ceylor says SOUL is going to "need a whole lot of manpower."  People should again contact their state legislators and let them hear that the line, despite the PSC decision, is simply not needed.  And SOUL wants to expand its membership with more people willing to lend a hand to the group's campaign.

Ceylor is not discouraged by the PSC's ruling.  "It's not a slam dunk," she says.  The fight, she adds, can still be won.  "I think it can be done," Ceylor says.