Business

Power line planners want to avoid appearance of bias in seeking PSC permit

Published

3 years ago

July 1, 2021

The companies that want to build a new power line between Madison and Dubuque would like a do-over on their permit application.

Reportedly, ATC and ITC Midwest are hoping to avoid any appearance of bias, in getting a permit for the Cardinal-Hickory Creek line.

Published reports say the questions of bias arose after former La Crosse area legislator Mike Huebsch voted for the project 2 years ago while serving on the state Public Service Commission.

The companies say they recently received information that Huebsch had regular contact with people connected to the project before he voted in favor of the power line.

The project also involves Dairyland Power, based in La Crosse.

ATC wants the commission to rescind the decision which involved Huebsch, who left the PSC last year, and allow the company to apply again.

Before joining the commission, Huebsch was the 94th District Assemblyman for several years, and also headed the Wisconsin Department of Administration under Gov. Scott Walker.

Brad Williams

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.