— To the Editor:
“Tomorrow’s power grid being planned today” (The Land, Dec. 11/18, 2009 issues) reads like an advertisement and was factually wrong about many issues. It’s unfortunate your reporter didn’t go beyond CapX promotion and do some basic independent reporting.
Actually, there is no need; just look at Xcel’s SEC filings. Xcel’s peak demand decreased over 15 percent since its 2006 peak. All utilities across the nation are in the same boat. A 30-second Google search reveals the truth of decreased demand, Minnesota’s 1.5 percent demand reduction mandate, and increased efficiency and conservation. See www.nocapx2020.info for an intervenor’s view.
CapX pushes electric surplus through Minnesota eastward, to “displace natural gas with coal” per MISO — the Midwest Independent System Operator, which administers and manages the transmission of electricity within its region. This is just Phase I of II for CapX, and Joint Coordinated System Plan transmission is waiting in the wings.
Thousands of farmers across Minnesota are affected and will lose their land to eminent domain. As a farm-based publication, it’s your job to help — by publishing notices, urging farmers to find an eminent domain attorney, and publicizing Minnesota’s “Buy the Farm” option (Minn. Stat. 216E.12, Subd. 4), which forces the utility to buy the entire parcel, not just an easement. You should address farm concerns like splitting up fields, drain tile, soil compaction, electromagnetic fields, irrigation and spraying problems.
Everyone needs to know how to comment in the state routing process. Send comments on the Brookings routing by Jan. 28 to: Judge Richard Luis, OAH, P.O. Box 64620, St. Paul, MN, 55164-0620 or e-mail capx.oah@state.mn.us.
Landowners must speak up with their concerns now.
Carol A. Overland (Attorney for www.nocapx2020.info and United Citizens Action Network)
Red Wing
