Wisconsin Transmission Siting Priorities law* states, “to the greatest extent feasible that is consistent with economic and engineering considerations, reliability of the electric system, and protection of the environment, the following corridors should be utilized in the following order of priority:
- Existing utility corridors
- Highway and railroad corridors
- Recreational trails, to the extent that the facilities may be constructed below ground and that the facilities do not significantly impact environmentally sensitive areas.
- New corridors.” https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/1.12(6)
Recreational trails are only to be used if the transmission line is built underground and has no adverse impact on sensitive sites. Wisconsin siting laws for new proposed transmission corridors clearly seek to protect the state’s natural and cultural resources from “undue adverse impacts.” (ELPC 25)