Alternatives Evaluation Study
Dairyland Power Cooperative submitted an AES to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in July of 2016 as part of its Cardinal-Hickory Creek loan application process. RUS is a part of USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/UWP-AlternativeEvaluationStudyJuly2016.pdf
American Transmission Company –
A privately-owned company, one of three who propose to build the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line. Its ownership includes utilities, municipalities, municipal electric companies, and electric cooperatives from Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. Wisconsin Power & Light and Madison Gas & Electric are included in this group.
Council on Environmental Quality
“The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) coordinates Federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. CEQ was established within the Executive Office of the President by Congress as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and additional responsibilities were provided by the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970.” whitehouse.gov The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for the Cardinal Hickory line is required to be in accordance with NEPA and CEQ rules.
Cardinal-Hickory Creek
The name given to the 345 kilovolt transmission line project proposed to be built by American Transmission Company (ATC), ITC Midwest, and Dairyland Power Cooperative. It would run 125 miles from Dubuque County, Iowa, to the Cardinal substation in Middleton, Dane County, Wisconsin.
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
In general, a type of regulatory compliance certification for public service industries. Wisconsin Public Service Commission states: “An electric generation project of 100 megawatts (MW) or greater and many power lines over 100 kilovolts (kV) require a CPCN from the Commission. Wis. Stats. § 196.491 describes the procedures related to the issuance of a CPCN. The general application requirements for the CPCN are described in Wis. Admin. Code ch. PSC 111.” The Cardinal-Hickory Creek project must receive a CPCN from Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission in order to be able to proceed with construction.
Driftless Area Land Conservancy
is a land trust organization based in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Its purpose is “to maintain and enhance the health, diversity and beauty of Southwest Wisconsin’s natural and agricultural landscape through permanent land protection and restoration, and improve people’s lives by connecting them to the land and to each other.” driftlessconservancy.org DALC opposes construction of the transmission lines since they will negatively impact the qualities they are mandated to preserve. To help devise a strategy to prevent construction of the lines they have retained the services of the Environmental Law and Policy Center, hired a community organizer, and are working closely with Driftless Defenders.
Driftless Defenders
“Driftless Defenders is a grassroots coalition of citizens dedicated to preventing the construction of high-voltage transmission lines through the geologically unique Driftless Area of Wisconsin.” driftlessdefenders.com The group was formed in May 2016 by neighbors in the Pleasant Ridge area of Dodgeville Township and rapidly expanded to include people from many townships. Through their outreach and media efforts they are informing the public about the proposed transmission lines and explaining the reasons for their opposition. They are working closely with Driftless Area Land Conservancy (DALC).
Distributed generation
refers to power generation on-site, rather than centrally. In many instances, this can reduce the cost, complexity, interdependencies, and inefficiencies that often accompany transmission and distribution. Examples of DG include wind turbines, geothermal energy production, solar systems (photovoltaic and combustion), and some hydro-thermal plants.
Department of Natural Resources
Many states have Departments of Natural Resources. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has the following mission: “To protect and enhance our natural resources: our air, land and water; our wildlife, fish and forests and the ecosystems that sustain all life. To provide a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities. To ensure the right of all people to use and enjoy these resources in their work and leisure. To work with people to understand each other’s views and to carry out the public will. And in this partnership consider the future and generations to follow.” dnr.wi.gov
Dairyland Power Cooperative
is a generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Lacrosse, WI. It is one of the three companies proposing to build the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line.
