MADISON, Wis. — Hundreds of residents from 10 southern Wisconsin counties gathered at the State Capitol Tuesday to oppose two proposed 765-kilovolt transmission projects and press state lawmakers for a greater public role in deciding where the lines could go. The event, organized by No 765 Line, moved a campaign that began with landowners and local governments into direct conversations with legislators. After an informational session, residents met lawmakers and their staff, asking them to consider changes to Wisconsin’s transmission siting laws. The day ended with a rally and news conference in the Capitol Rotunda. No 765 Line volunteer Tenille Osthoff said residents asked lawmakers from both parties what changes might be possible and how they could build support for legislation. She described the effort as a chance to work across political divisions, including when the Legislature is not in session. Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who represents Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, told the crowd he would oppose the projects in the Driftless Region. Viroqua Mayor Krista Browne also spoke, citing her city’s opposition to the MariBell project, which she said could affect neighboring communities, farms and homes. The campaign says 89 local governments across the 10 affected counties have adopted resolutions concerning the proposals. Those actions vary: some oppose a project or possible routes, while others call for more information or review. In September, the Dane County Board unanimously urged Midcontinent Grid Solutions and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to allow more review and broader public input on BECI. The two proposals are still subject to state regulatory review, and both would need approval from the Public Service Commission to proceed. BECI, developed by Midcontinent Grid Solutions, would run about 190 miles across southern Wisconsin; no final route has been selected. The roughly 140-mile MariBell proposal would connect Marion, Minnesota, with Bell Center, Wisconsin, passing through parts of Vernon and Crawford counties. Project developers say the lines would strengthen the regional grid, improve reliability and meet rising electricity demand. Opponents are seeking more say in the siting process as the projects move toward regulatory review. No 765 Line volunteers said they plan to follow up with lawmakers about commitments made during the Capitol meetings and continue pressing for changes to the approval process.