A Sad Day for SW Wisconsin

Dear Editor,

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin rubber-stamped the application for the Badger Hollow Wind project on September 25. Whether this project is eventually constructed remains to be seen, but this decision marked a sad day for SW Wisconsin and the entire Driftless Region. The PSC has essentially deemed the financial interests of Invenergy's Chicago-based billionaire CEO Michael Polsky more important than the quality of life of the Wisconsin residents who they supposedly "serve."

While the appointed (not elected) PSC is legally utilizing the authority granted them by the Wisconsin legislature in 2009, it doesn't make this decision any less disappointing. Despite a loud chorus of local voices and intervenors asking for the commission to perform an Environmental Impact Statement before approving this project, that request was summarily dismissed along with a myriad of other very real concerns about siting the tallest structures in the state atop abandoned lead and zinc mines.

Perhaps the commissioners should be required to spend a few weeks living 1,250 feet (the legal required setback) from a 660-foot wind turbine. When the noise and shadow flicker prevent them from a proper night's sleep and their children can't concentrate at school, I wonder how they will feel about their decision?

Much like Mr. Polsky, I doubt they will lose any sleep whatsoever. But rest assured, if this project turns out to be a colossal disaster, we will remember the folks in Madison and Chicago who thought this was such a brilliant idea!

Pete Moris 

Mt. Hope, WI