Once again our legislators in Madison want to deprive us of local control and give it to business entities and bureaucrats. According to the Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, if passed, Senate Bill 185 and Assembly Bill 256, no Wisconsin county, city, village or town could restrict construction or operation of a wind energy system unless the restriction is consistent with rules developed by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

If this scenario sounds familiar it is because the same power grab was successfully made by the industrial ag types about four years ago. The Livestock Facilities Siting Bill snuck through with barely legal public input and now look at the messes we have throughout the state. Local people know what is best for their community, yet these types of laws strip them of any right to regulate placement or operation.

We know what large business entities will do with power if given to them. If not for an incredible effort by many Vernon residents, Dairyland Power would have located a toxic waste landfill here. We should be looking for ways to restrict their powers, not enhance them. Passage of these bills will allow bureaucrats in Madison to decide where, what size, who’s land is taken and where connecting corridors go. No meaningful local input allowed.

It is not that I am against wind energy. Presently I am looking into placing a wind generator on my ridge. Only if it fits. Nobody can determine that except me and my neighbors.

Call Dan Kapanke (800 385-3385) and demand that Senate Bill 185 be defeated. Call Lee Nerison (888 534-0096) and demand that Assembly Bill 256 be defeated. We know what is best for our community, not a bunch of bureaucrats in Madison or Wall Street investors.

Dan Peper

Viroqua