Madison, WI – Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Energy and Tourism and the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities held a joint public hearing on Right of First Refusal (ROFR) legislation, SB 28 and AB 25. This legislation eliminates the competitive bidding process for certain transmission line projects and gives existing utility companies monopolistic control of the market, resulting in higher costs for ratepayers.
Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin (AFP-WI), a long-time opponent of ROFR legislation, thanks the following legislators for standing up against utility companies and fighting for their constituents’ best interest by registering at the joint hearing yesterday in opposition: Sens. Nass and Kapenga; and Reps. Knodl, Gundrum, Gustafson, Goeben, Murphy, Maxey, Behnke, Tucker, Tranel, Moses, Green, and Brill. Additionally, we thank the numerous other elected officials who confirmed their ‘no’ vote yesterday to talk radio host Dan O’Donnell. To hear the full list of confirmed ‘no’ votes, listen HERE.
AFP-WI State Director Megan Novak testified against the bill. View Novak’s testimony HERE.
AFP-WI State Director Megan Novak released the following statement:
“It is disappointing to see some in the Wisconsin legislature once again consider legislation that chooses winners and losers at the expense of ratepayers.
“Thankfully, we have principled lawmakers on the side of their constituents who are working tirelessly to oppose this bill and prevent rate hikes for Wisconsin families and businesses. AFP-WI thanks Rep. Tranel for his thoughtful questions on behalf of his constituents during the joint hearing yesterday and Rep. Knodl for testifying against the bill and standing up for ratepayers. Our thousands of grassroots activists across the state thank all of these legislators, both those who registered and those who confirmed their position to Dan O’Donnell, for their ‘no,’ and we look forward to working together to kill this bill once and for all.”
Background:
AFP-Wisconsin has stood for ratepayers since this legislation was first introduced in Wisconsin.
AFP-WI published a report by Dr. Olson revealing that ROFR’s “cost-shifting” policies will result in higher energy rates for consumers and competitive bidding, which ROFR aims to eliminate, ultimately leads to lower costs. View the report HERE.