Local legislatures circulate proposal to limit renewable energy

Drive through Iowa and Grant counties and you will pass dozens of solar and wind farms. The increasingly common sight has rankled some local residents. But environmentalists are pointing to the collective benefit such projects provide the state in terms of climate resiliency and improved health. Backlash against green energy projects prompted state Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Rep. Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) to recirculate a proposal within the Wisconsin Capitol seeking cosponsorship from other legislators. The measure would require that solar and wind projects capable of generating 15 megawatts or more of electricity to first get approval from the communities in which they would be built, before the state Public Service Commission can sign off on the construction. If enacted, the proposal would give municipalities 90 days to pass a resolution either supporting or opposing the solar and wind projects. In the event a community did not act within the window, the Public Service Commission could proceed as though the community approved. The measure, which was also introduced last legislative session, has not yet been brought before the Legislature. Tranel was optimistic it could garner some Democratic support.