Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Tara Johnson in studio breaking down the controversy over the 200-foot MariBell power lines and what a Democratic legislative majority would look like in Madison.

Johnson (D-Shelby) helps explain the environmental risks in the Driftless region over those power lines, how the state’s Public Service Commission works in deciding what happens, and where this all wraps into the AI data center conversation — one in which she believes an 18-month moratorium is needed. 

We also discuss the top priorities that Democrats are outlining if David Crowley wins the governorship and her party flips both the Assembly and Senate. Johnson pointed out that under current Republican control, only 19 of the 500 bills Democrats authored in the last session even got a committee hearing, and what her party’s priorities are if they win the trifecta.

Episode Highlights:

• MariBell Lines Backlash: Proposed towers threaten legacy farms and fragile karst aquifers across the Driftless region.
• Data Center Pause: Johnson advocates for an 18-month moratorium and a long-term plan around energy usage while studying the local impacts of massive data centers.
• Underground Priority: Johnson details legislation to force power companies onto existing rights-of-way and mandate underground lines over giant towers.
• How the PSC Works: A quick civics lesson on how the Public Service Commission operates and how local residents can actually influence their final rulings.
• Intervener Funding Stripped: GOP budget cuts on the Joint Finance Committee eliminated extra legal and expert assistance meant to help everyday property owners fight utility applications.
• Predatory Park Hikes: Mobile home residents face sudden double-digit lot fee increases and steep pet surcharges with no practical way to move their homes.
• Democratic Trifecta Hit List: What a unified Democratic government in Madison would prioritize on day one — and the massive legislative roadblock currently standing in their way.
• Brewers Magic but Not "The Big Mozzarella": We open with Milwaukee's historic 103-win season and a failed attempt at coining a pitching nickname for Jacob Misiorowski.