---

Dear Editor:
The Public Service Commmission of Wisconsin (PSCW) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) are defrauding the Wisconsin public by giving their permission to install a 345 KV transmission line through SW Wisconsin, the only driftless area in the world. The budget for the PSCW in fiscal year 2013 was $24,483,300. That means Wisconsin taxpayers are substantially funding the (PSCW) to put the screws to its own residents for the benefit of corporate gain. The (WDNR) and (PSCW) should remember Lincoln's statement - a government of the people by the people and for the people.
Talk about the fox guarding the hen house - Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcg was appointed as PSCW commissioner by Governor Tony Evers for a six year term beginning January 7th, 2019. Ms. Valcg's prior employment was as a partner at Quarles & Brady in the energy, environment, and natural resources practice group. Previous to holding that position she was regulartory counsel for the Wisconsin Electric Power Company where she advised management on all areas of regulartory law in multiple jurisdictions as well as on compliance matters. How long would she hold a job for a power company if she were just neutral on utilities development?
Don't get me wrong, I am for utilities development when and where needed, and a savings to the public. Residents of Wisconsin will pay 10-15 percent of the ATC lines' expense through increased electrical rates. How can ATC, ITC Midwest, and Dairyland Power Company say this line will be an economic benefit to Wisconsin residents? The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Cardinal-Hickory Creek Transmission Line puts economic benefits to Wisconsin customers first in its list of "needs" for this proposed power line. Yet the following voluminous text dwells on all the other "needs." When are the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, state agencies after all, going to work for the Wisconsin citizens who fund them with their taxes?
Marvin Winch,
Dodgeville