High-voltage lines generate organized opposition [National Wind Watch]

The power lines would run between Fargo, N.D., and the St. Cloud area; between Brookings, S.D., and the southeast edge of the Twin Cities; and from the southern edge of Dakota County through Rochester to La Crosse, Wis.

The opponents say they support wind energy, but they fear the high-voltage lines would be used to bring in power generated from coal-fired plants in South Dakota near the state line, where a plant called Big Stone II is planned for near Milbank, S.D. Backers of Big Stone II are seeking approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to build their own power lines from South Dakota into Minnesota. The PUC has delayed a decision pending more information on the costs associated with the plant.

If those lines are rejected, said Paula Maccabee, attorney for the Citizens Energy Task Force, the fear is that Big Stone II would piggyback on the CapX 2020 lines instead.

“What does Minnesota get? We get the pollution,” she said.

Wouldn't Minnesota get a reliable source of electricity?