Res 2003- 13 Encouraging State of MN on 115kV Conversion MoratoriumCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 03-13
A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE MINNESOTA STATE LEGISLATURE TO
ENACT A ONE-YEAR MORATORIUM ON THE CONVERSION OF SINGLE
CIRCUIT 115 kV ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES INTO DOUBLE CIRCUIT 115
kV ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES
WHEREAS, in the southeast metropolitan area, Northern States Power Company (doing
business as Xcel Energy), is in the process of constructing the conversion of a single circuit 115
kV electric transmission line into a double circuit 115 kV transmission line; and
WHEREAS, this particular transmission line is located in the cities of Newport, South
St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Sunfish Lake and Mendota Heights; and
WHEREAS, Xcel Energy has indicated that conversion of the single circuit 115 kV
transmission line system throughout the metropolitan area will be occurring in the future as the
electric demand in the metropolitan area increases; and
WHEREAS, it appears that the conversion of the single circuit 115 kV electric
transmission line in the southeast metropolitan area is the begimling of a larger and more
comprehensive system upgrade that will eventually have ramifications throughout the entire
metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 116C.53, subd. 1, expresses the policy of the State of
Minnesota with respect to the location of electric transmission lines:
The legislature hereby declares it to be the policy of the state to locate large electric
power facilities in an orderly manner compatible with environmental preservation and the
efficient use of resources. In accordance with this policy the board shall choose locations
that minimize adverse human and environmental impact while insuring continuing
electric power system reliability and integrity and insuring that electric energy needs are
met and fulfilled in an orderly and timely fashion.
WHEREAS, since the time Xcel Energy received local permit authority for the
conversion of the line in the southeast metropolitan area, two significant events have occurred:
The State Legislature and the Department of Transportation are restudying the
transportation corridors that are networked throughout the metropolitan area in order
to determine the priorities for funding the transportation system upgrades.
The State of California Department of Health Services has issued its final report on
the risk evaluation of electric and magnetic fields (EMF).
WHEREAS, in light of these recent developments, there is the opportunity for the
State of Minnesota to examine whether transmission line upgrades should preferentially occur
within transportation corridors and whether the conversions of the electric transmission system
should only occur within easement right of ways that do not pose a risk of EMF to surrounding
residential owners.
WHEREAS, the Minnesota State Legislature should take advantage of this opportunity
for further study in order to protect the public safety and health; and
WHEREAS, a one-year moratorium would allow the Minnesota Department of
Transportation to study whether transportation corridors are the best means to accommodate the
electric system upgrades; and
WHEREAS, a one-year moratorium would allow the Minnesota Department of Health to
study whether the conclusions of the California Study indicate that additional regulations and
rules should be promulgated concerning EMF and concerning the minimum distances between
double circuit 115 IzV electric transmission lines and adjoining residences.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Mendota Heights:
1. The City Council of Mendota Heights encourages the Minnesota State Legislature
to enact a one-year moratorium on the conversion of single circuit 115 kV electric
transmission lines into double circuit 115kV electric transmission lines.
2. The City Council of Mendota Heights feels that the one-year moratorium would
be of sufficient length to allow the Minnesota Department of Transportation to
study whether transportation corridors are the best means to accommodate the
electric system upgrades.
3. The City Council of Mendota Heights feels that the one-year moratorium would
be of sufficient length to allow the Minnesota Department of Health to study
whether the conclusions of the California study indicated that additional
regulations and rules should be promulgated concerning EMF and concerning the
minimum distances between double circuit 115 kV electric transmission lines and
adjoining residences.
4. The City Council of Mendota Heights requests that the Legislature direct the
Department of Transportation and the Department of Health to complete the
investigations and studies that are outlined above.
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The City Administrator will provide copies of this Resolution to each of the state
representative and state senators that represent the Cities of Newport, South St. Paul,
Inver Grove Heights, Sunfish Lake and Mendota Heights.
Further the City Administrator will send a copy of this Resolution to such legislative
committees and state agencies as deemed appropriate by the Administrator.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights, this 18th day of March,
2003.
ATTEST:
CITY COUNCIL
[in
By By
Kathleen M. Swanson, City Clerk Job