N.D. board pushes for power line

New electric transmission lines in west-central Minnesota would allow North Dakota to export more wind-generated power, the state Industrial Commission says.

The commission, which includes Gov. John Hoeven, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, approved a letter Monday to Minnesota's Public Utilities Commission to support the transmission project.

The Minnesota commission is hearing arguments on the project today. Two administrative law judges have recommended that it reject the transmission lines, which were proposed by developers of Big Stone II, an electric power station that a group of five utilities wants to build in northeastern South Dakota.

Big Stone II would be fueled by coal. The plant has prompted opposition from Minnesota regulators and environmental groups concerned about pollution and increased emissions of carbon dioxide, a gas linked to global warming.

- Associated Press