Northwoods Reporter

Matthew Rust, chairman of the St. Croix County Republicans, expressed concerns over Xcel Energy's proposed solar facility, stating it threatens the county's character by prioritizing corporate interests over local communities. Rust made his statement to Northwoods Reporter on March 19.

"The proposed 5,000-acre solar facility by Xcel Energy threatens the character of St. Croix County, replacing generations of pristine farmland with millions of foreign-manufactured solar panels and miles of fencing," said Rust. "This senseless project will replace existing energy infrastructure, disrupt local wildlife, and negatively impact our agricultural economy and surrounding communities. Our rural landscape, valued for its natural beauty and peaceful environment, will be marred by industrial infrastructure, decreasing property values and altering our way of life. The Xcel plan prioritizes corporate greed over the well-being of local families and farmers."

According to the Baldwin Bulletin, Xcel Energy plans to develop a 5,000-acre solar farm in St. Croix County, which will span multiple townships with approximately 2,000 panels per acre. While Xcel argues that the project will provide affordable electricity and make use of existing grid connections, many residents have voiced opposition due to environmental, economic, and safety concerns. A petition against the project has amassed over 5,000 signatures, raising issues such as wildlife habitat loss, fire risks, and declining property values. If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2027 with operations starting around 2029 after regulatory reviews and public hearings.

In a Project Overview posted on its website, Xcel Energy described the King Transmission Connection project. The company said that this initiative would deliver solar energy from western Wisconsin to the grid at the retiring King plant in 2028 via a 15-mile transmission line. Two transmission routes have been proposed by Xcel Energy for evaluation by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW). A regulatory application is set to be filed in mid-2025, followed by a 12-18 month PSCW review process including studies and public hearings before a final decision is reached.

A petition titled "STOP Xcel Energy's King Transmission - Tenmile Creek Solar Farm in St. Croix County" published on Change.org outlines opposition to the King Transmission Connection project. The petition states: "This massive industrial-sized solar farm might sound progressive on paper, but the proposal has unforeseen negative health, safety, environmental and economic consequences…. The installation of this solar farm not only threatens the health and safety of those who live near it but also threatens our property values but also the very essence of our rural culture." As of March 13, it had gathered 5,039 signatures.

Rust was first elected as Chairman of the Republican Party of St. Croix County in 2023. According to the organization's website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to St. Croix County voters."