Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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an association, or to establish a biological mechanism for how magnetic fields may cause cancer. A number of scientific panels convened by national and international health agencies and the United States Congress have reviewed the research carried out to date. Most researchers concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove an association between EMF and health effects; however, many of them also concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove that EMF exposure is safe. (Id. at p. 1.) The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin ("PSCW") has periodically reviewed the science on MFs since 1989 and has held hearings to consider the topic of MF and human health effects. The most recent hearings on MF were held in July 1998. Recently, January 2008, the PSC published a fact sheet regarding MFs. In this fact sheet the PSC noted that: Many scientists believe the potential for health risks for exposure to EMF is very small. This is supported, in part, by weak epidemiological evidence and the lack of a plausible biological mechanism that explains how exposure to EMF could cause disease. The magnetic fields produced by electricity are weak and do not have enough energy to break chemical bonds or to cause mutations in DNA. Without a mechanism, scientists have no idea what kind of exposure, if any, might be harmful. In addition, whole animal studies investigating long-term exposure to power frequency EMF have shown no connection between exposure and cancer of any kind. (EMF -Electric &Magnetic Fields, PSC Qanuary 2008)). The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, based on the Working Group and World Health Organization findings, has repeatedly found that "there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate a causal relationship between EMF exposure and any adverse human health effects." In the Matter of the Application of Xcel Energy for a Route Permit for the Lake Yankton to Marshall Transmission Line Project in Lyon County, Docket No. E-002/TL-07-1407, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order Issuing a Route Permit to Xcel Energy for the Lake Yankton to Marshall Transmission Project at p. 7-8 (Aug. 29, 2008); See also, In the Matter of the Application for a HVTL Route Permit for the Tower Transmission Line Project, Docket No. ET -2, E015/TL-06-1624, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order Issuing a Route Permit to Minnesota Power and Great River Energy for the Tower Transmission Line Project and Associated Facilities at p. 23 (Aug. 1, 2007)("Currently, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate a causal relationship between EMF exposure and any adverse human health effects."). The Commission again confirmed its conclusion regarding health effects and MFs in the Brookings County — Hampton 345 kV Route Permit proceeding ("Brookings Project"). In the Brookings Project Route Permit proceeding, Applicants Great River Energy and Xcel Energy and one of the intervening parties provided expert evidence on the potential impacts of electric and magnetic fields on human health. The ALJ in that proceeding evaluated written submissions and a day -and -half of testimony from these two expert witnesses. The ALJ concluded: "there is no demonstrated impact on human health and safety that is not adequately addressed by the existing State standards for [EF or MF] exposure." In the Matter of the Route Permit Application by Great River Energy and Xcel Energy for a 343 kV Transmission Line from Brookings County, South Dakota to Hampton, Minnesota, Docket No. ET- 2/TL-08-1474, ALJ Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendation at Finding 216 (April 22, 2010 and amended April 30, 2010). The Commission adopted this finding on July 15, 2010. In the Matter of the Route Permit Application by Great River Energy and Xcel Energy for a 343 k V Transmission Line from Brookings County, South Dakota to Hampton, Minnesota, Docket No. ET-2/TL-08-1474, Order Granting Route Permit (September 14, 2010). Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 35