PSC rejects conflict-of-interest assertions, authorizes $500 million Cardinal-Hickory Creek power line

Wisconsin utility regulators granted final approval Thursday for a controversial power line while rebuffing conflict of interest charges from opponents of the nearly $500 million project.

At a meeting interrupted by protesters, the Public Service Commission voted unanimously to authorize construction of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek line between Dubuque, Iowa, and Middleton in a written order summarizing points the three commissioners agreed to during a hearing in August.

The commission rejected a call for recusal by the Driftless Area Land Conservancy and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, which last week alleged real or perceived conflicts of interest by Chairwoman Rebecca Valcq and Commissioner Mike Huebsch....

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