Land Swap Deal Advances Controversial Power Line Through Mississippi River Refuge

A contentious land swap has been finalized, paving the way for a major power line project through a key wildlife refuge, despite ongoing legal challenges and environmental concerns.

• Utilities and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a land exchange to facilitate the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line, crossing a mile-long section of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.
• Conservation groups have filed lawsuits and sought injunctions to halt construction, arguing the project threatens local ecosystems and lacks adequate public consultation.
• The project, valued at nearly $650 million, aims to connect over 160 renewable energy projects to the grid, promising significant carbon emissions reductions annually.
• Legal battles highlight a broader debate over balancing infrastructure development with environmental and community impacts.
• The case could set a precedent for future land management and conservation efforts, influencing how energy projects navigate federal wildlife protection laws.

3 Articles

Financial Post Associated Press Mother Jones