Current:Home > ContactFederal judge temporarily blocks plans for a power line in Mississippi River wildlife refuge -WealthPro Academy
Federal judge temporarily blocks plans for a power line in Mississippi River wildlife refuge
View
Date:2025-04-27 05:53:14
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge has temporarily blocked plans to build a high-voltage power line across a Mississippi River wildlife refuge, saying he wants to see documents detailing the lead-up to the project’s approval.
U.S. District Judge William Conley issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday preventing American Transmission Company, ITC Midwest and Dairyland Power Cooperative from beginning construction on a one-mile portion of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line that would cross the refuge. He extended the injunction indefinitely following a hearing in Madison on Friday morning.
The 345-kilovolt power line would run 102 miles (164 kilometers) between Iowa’s Dubuque County and Wisconsin’s Dane County. A section of the line would cross the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge near Cassville, Wisconsin.
The refuge serves as a haven for fish, wildlife and migratory birds that use it as breeding grounds. It is the only stopping point left for many migratory birds that use the Mississippi Flyway. Conservationists fear the transmission line will damage the refuge and have been working for years to stop the project in court.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association, the Driftless Area Land Conservancy and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation filed a federal lawsuit earlier this month. The groups allege the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued final approvals for the refuge crossing in February without giving the public a chance to comment. They also argue that the agency and the utilities improperly reached a deal calling for the utilities to transfer about 36 acres (15 hectares) south of Cassville to the refuge in exchange for 19 acres (8 hectares) within the refuge for the power line.
The conservationists told the judge they needed an injunction quickly because the land deal was set to close Friday and the utilities have already positioned construction equipment on the edges of the refuge.
Attorneys for both sides sparred for about 90 minutes in front of Conley on Friday morning.
The conservationists’ lawyer, Howard Learner, told Conley that FWS released final documents this past February that found the land deal would have no significant impact on the refuge without offering the public a chance to comment on it.
He also argued that FWS never considered whether the power line would be a compatible use for refuge land as required by the 1997 National Wildlife Refuge System Act.
Reade Wilson, a U.S. Department of Justice attorney representing FWS, countered that the conservation groups commented on an environmental assessment of the project released in September and the agency was under no obligation to open up the no-impact finding for public comment. She went on to contend that the compatibility test doesn’t apply to a land exchange. Conley seemed incredulous, saying she was asking him to ignore that a power line would be running across the land.
In the end, Conley said he would extend the injunction until the parties provide him with a more extensive record of what steps were and weren’t taken during the run-up to the final approval in February. He said once the record was made available, the attorneys would have 30 days to submit briefs.
Outside of court, Learner said the conservationists were pleased to see Conley extend the injunction. The Driftless Area Land Conservancy and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation issued a joint statement praising the decision.
“We should not set a precedent that a simple land swap is all it takes to plow through a national treasure,” Driftless Area Land Conservancy Executive Director Jennifer Filipiak said in the statement.
Wilson didn’t immediately respond to an email sent after the hearing requesting comment.
ITC Midwest and Dairyland Power officials released a joint statement after the hearing saying the utilities disagree with the injunction. FWS acted within its legal authority under federal law and the line will help deliver reliable electricity from renewable sources to customers, they said.
The utilities added that they’re striving to minimize the environmental impact within the refuge, in part by avoiding any grading.
ATC media officials didn’t immediately respond to emails sent after the hearing seeking comment.
veryGood! (4289)
Related
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- These Candid 2024 SAG Awards Moments Will Make You Feel Like You Were There
- Blackhawks retire Chris Chelios' jersey before Patrick Kane scores OT winner for Red Wings
- See which stars went barefoot, Ayo Edebiri's Beyoncé moment and more SAG fashion wows
- Paris Olympics live updates: Quincy Hall wins 400m thriller; USA women's hoops in action
- Story of Jackie Robinson's stolen statue remains one of the most inspirational in nation
- 2024 could be an incredible year for Block stock. Here's why.
- Trump is projected to win South Carolina Republican primary, beat Haley. Here are the full results.
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Josh Hartnett Makes Rare Appearance at 2024 SAG Awards After Stepping Away From Hollywood
Ranking
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- The 2025 Dodge Ram 1500 drops the Hemi V-8. We don't miss it.
- Man found guilty in trans woman's killing after first federal gender-based hate crime trial
- Brie Larson Looks Marvelous in Sexy Ab-Baring Look at the 2024 SAG Awards
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Decade's old missing person case solved after relative uploads DNA to genealogy site
- You Can't Miss Emma Stone's Ecstatic Reaction After Losing to Lily Gladstone at the 2024 SAG Awards
- Warm weather brings brings a taste of spring to central and western United States
Recommendation
Golf's No. 1 Nelly Korda looking to regain her form – and her spot on the Olympic podium
Video shows 7 people being rescued after seaplane crashes near PortMiami: Watch
Men's March Madness bubble winners and losers: Wake Forest picks up major tournament boost
Chemours and DuPont Knew About Risks But Kept Making Toxic PFAS Chemicals, UN Human Rights Advisors Conclude
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
Richard Sherman arrested in Seattle on suspicion of driving under the influence
Chemours and DuPont Knew About Risks But Kept Making Toxic PFAS Chemicals, UN Human Rights Advisors Conclude
AT&T will give $5 to customers hit by cellphone network outage