– US appeals court overturns injunction on Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line
– Developers ITC Midwest and Dairyland Power Co-operative can move forward with project
– Environmental groups concerned about project impact on wildlife habitats and floodplains are seeking further legal action
A US appeals court has overturned an injunction that had halted the development of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line, which connects Dubuque County in Iowa to Dane County in Wisconsin. The project, operated at 345kV, aims to facilitate clean energy distribution between the two states. The Chicago-based 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals found the initial injunction to be unjustified, allowing the project to move forward.
The injunction, issued by a Wisconsin federal judge, had blocked work on a crucial segment of the transmission line, resulting in costs of $655 million for the developers. Environmental groups, including the National Wildlife Refuge Association, raised concerns about the project’s impact on wildlife habitats and floodplains. The appeals court has asked the lower court to reassess the likelihood of these groups winning their case.
Following the appeals court’s decision, the environmental groups sought temporary restraining orders and requested a stay on the order to allow for further examination. The developers, ITC Midwest and Dairyland Power Co-operative, welcomed the court’s decision to avoid unnecessary delays and additional expenses. Upon completion, the transmission line has the potential to connect 160 renewable energy projects to the Midwestern energy grid.