LETTER: Power lines decision looms over Fredonia greenfields

To Ozaukee Press:

This is an urgent opportunity for Ozaukee County residents to be heard about ATC’s proposed 345-kV transmission lines and the greenfield routes that threaten our homes, farms, businesses and natural areas.

For my husband and me, this is deeply personal. We spent nearly six years searching for the peaceful, wooded property where we planned to retire. We found it in Fredonia—46 acres that we love and have worked hard to preserve. It is also home to Whispering Pines, our business and an important part of our retirement income. ATC’s proposed route now threatens that property.

On July 29, the Responsible Energy Alliance filed a renewed motion asking the Public Service Commission to revoke its December 2025 determination that ATC’s application was “complete.” Since that determination, ATC has filed hundreds of additional documents and data-request responses and repeatedly revised its proposal. Serious questions remain regarding costs, wildlife information, historic and cultural resources, and other critical issues.

Then, on July 30, the PSC formally asked the public whether its completeness determination should be revoked. Comments were due by 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, but responses received shortly after that deadline could still influence the PSC decision.

Go to apps.psc.wi.gov, select “File a Comment,” and enter Docket 137-CE-221. Address your comment to the Secretary of the Commission and tell the PSC why you believe this application should not continue moving forward under its current completeness determination.

This isn’t simply about transmission lines. It is about what kind of Ozaukee County we leave behind. Once greenfields, woodlands, wetlands, historic landscapes and family properties are permanently altered by a massive new transmission corridor, we cannot undo it.

Patti Plough

Fredonia