However, Mason said that the Thumb area is a migratory path for many birds, including golden eagles, which not many know about. Opposers say it's not far enough, with those in support saying more restrictive distances would eliminate turbines all together from areas in West Michigan. Are there places where Michigan should consider not allowing offshore turbines? Accounting for the average Thumb-area wind production capacity, Kritzman would receive an average yearly stipend of about $7,569. If NextEra is successful in getting the wind farm approved, Juniata Township would see 31 wind towers erected, 486 feet tall from base to blade tip. farm. wind energy. Some communities welcome wind farm developments, but in others, proposals for wind farms have led to legal and political strife. On April 19, Neumann and Schindler received an email from David Ivan, who works at another arm of the MSU Extension called the Greening Michigan Institute. |. Scandia Wind has a proposal for a 1000 MW wind farm offshore from the Ludington Pump Storage Facility (recently downsized). Minnesota Energy She said she had a home listed for sale recently in Deckerville because the home owners wanted to move away from the turbines. Wind Resources - State of Michigan | This North Shore Community Has Had Enough Of Towering Wind Turbines "But no, they're just shoving it down our throat.". The township had stated that it wanted wind turbines at least 1,300 feet away from homes and dwellings, and 1,000 feet away from any property line to protect against ice and blade throw, according to the permit. Croatia Kritzman said he will be paid a one-time fee of $15 per acre of land he owns. Bridgehampton, Marion and Washington townships will be home to the actual turbines while Custer Township will make room for supporting equipment. Hawaii Maine Arvon is the highest point in Michigan. value into perspective, that is enough power for several tens of Aegir Project," Letter to the Boards of Commissioners of Mason and Ocean Wind 1 aims to provide clean energy to some 500,000 New Jersey homes while delivering thousands of jobs and helping to solidify the states role as a leader in this burgeoning sector. WebOn a capacity-weighted average basis, wind project costs declined by roughly $3,147/ kW between the early 1980s and 2020. Michigan Wind Farm (Michigan Wind II Farm) will be equipped with Vestas Wind Systems V100-1.8 MW turbines. Tillman said during both turbine malfunctions no person or property was damaged. North Carolina Ireland Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts. Remember, wind turbines only create energy if there is wind. As part of its noncommercial effort to present the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development to a global audience seeking such information, National Wind Watch endeavors to observe fair use as provided for in section 107 of U.S. Wind Energy How can we fight big business (developing wind)? Wind significant impact that the wind farm could have on the animals that England AEP wants to build 31 wind turbines across portions of Casnovia One of the five township board members and fourof the seven planning commission members havesigned land leases with Invenergy and recused themselves from votes related to the matter, Stone said. But before the county gets near to collecting tax revenues, Exelon still needs land use permits approved in Bridgehampton and Marion Townships. The reimbursement that the company receives is based on the amount of electricity generated. Although this document is not meant as a guidebook Egypt "Wind The Great Lakes Offshore Wind Council was created by Governor Granholm in February of 2009 to identify the best potential areas for offshore wind in Michigan, ensure Great Lakes bottomlands are protected and identify other barriers to offshore wind energy development in Michigan. The first set of risks involves the impact on birds, wildlife, aquatic ecosystems and bats. Farm in the Great Lakes? www.mlive.com ~~. Czech Republic While some folks think the wind turbine trade-offs such as seeing the towering structures amid acres of farmland are minimal compared to the community and individual financial gain, others are not so sure. I think wind turbines are a thing of beauty, combining grace with function. opponents of clean energy sources were raising their voices against In addition to the lease payments, Tillman said the local community will benefit from job creation spawned by the project. South Carolina display: block !important; In addition to concerns about financial gain, residents have expressed concern with the safety and wildlife impact of the turbines, among other issues. location.href = "https://www.wind-watch.org/news/?cat="+dropdown.options[dropdown.selectedIndex].value; Michigan Environmental Council Policy Director James Clift is a member of the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Council, which is tasked with proposing good places for offshore wind development, consistent statewide leasing rules, and provisions for public input. One must check this https://www.durasteel.co.nz/ it gives us more info on this topic. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Letters Vermont We need to respect the energy we use the same way we respect the lakes. width: 100% !important; Whats more, smokestacks go on to cause millions of dollars of unseen damages, greenhouse gasses that warm the planet, premature heart problems, respiratory ailments, and mercury poisoning of our inland lakes. Fish and Wildlife Service to minimize the impact the turbines would have on wildlife. WebMeridian Wind is located in mid-Michigan's Midland and Saginaw counties. Webexperiences that developers, utilities, and communities across Michigan have had with wind energy over the last decade. Neighboring Fairgrove Township, which gave its approval last fall,would see 32, according to a report from MLive. MSU spokesman Jason Cody said the example cited in the original document could be misinterpreted as a recommendation rather than a discussion point, which was the authors intention. The ordinance was contained in a pamphlet that was posted in March 2017 and pulled down later in the spring. Wind knocks out power to 30,000 across Michigan as crews scramble to make repairs. thousands of homes. They have stated publicly that they will need support from local communities and other business partners (or purchase power agreements) before this project would move forward. From those two wind turbine projects, Sanilac County saw an additional $1.5 million is tax revenue. The wind farm would impair the assets of P.D. The Lake Michigan Wind Farm Controversy - Stanford University The recommendations in that version would allow for turbines and their towers to be located closer to property lines, where they might have a greater effect on neighbors. He says Isabella Wind will produce nearly twice the amount of power as the current largest wind farm in Michigan - enough to power one hundred and thirty thousand American homes. Companies had until 2015 to reach that benchmark and all 84 electric providers in Michigan either met or exceeded that, said Julie Baldwin, Michigan Public Service Commission manager of renewable energy section. Consumers Energy is expanding its Cross Winds Energy Parkin Tuscola County in the thumb. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. There is [2] One is that the max-width: none !important; I never knew about it when I bought this house.. West Virginia The turbines would be on a different location further back on the same property as an earlier project pursued by Farm Wind Energy. There's no question about that," said Transeth, founder and principle partner ofTranseth and Associates, whichprovideslegal and consulting services in energy and utility law. The company says the need for the project is greater than ever due to Michigan closing some of its power and nuclear plants, along with residents in support of the project. margin: 0 -8px !important; AEP took control of the project after it bought Sempra Energys wind turbine assets in 2019. Tom Tanton Lakes Eyed for Offshore Wind Farms," msnbc.com, 31 The author grants permission Michigan wind energy That is why the paradox of people supportive of Court Orders Utility To Address Wind Turbine Noise Problems The Jackson-based utility has pledgedto reduce carbon dioxide emissions more than 90% by 2040 in part by developing more wind and solar energy. Oklahoma The district has used the extra funds to pay down its bond each year as well as lower the millage rate, having an impact on both the schools budget and local taxpayers. Demand our elected officials require more investments by our utilities in energy efficiency and renewable energy. than before, but there will still be large regions from which the wind Each complainant said ongoing health issues could be negatively impacted or exacerbated if the wind farm is erected. There are 33 wind industry-associated manufacturing facilities in the state. Cyprus It included initial mapping criteria to assess proposals to lease Great Lakes bottomlands, a discussion of current permitting shortfalls and recommended procedures for engaging the public on the issue. The emails used in this story were received in response a Freedom of Information Act request submitted to MSU by Mason County Planning CommissionerCary Shineldecker. communities, which were severely affected by the economic recession. Exelon has filed the applications and is now waiting for a decision. The phase consists of 50 turbines with 1.8MW nameplate capacity. Some receive checks for hosting turbines on their land; the rest dread the intrusion to their senses. Go to local meetings and support renewable energy projects in your area. This could mean that the local governments collected too much tax revenue from the company and may have to pay it back. Poland Wyoming Mason said by the time an inspector comes to survey the number of dead animals, another animal most likely already ate its remains. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Donate | Contact Us, majority of the states wind developments, Michigan Treasury stiffs workers on new tax cut, Despite billions in corporate welfare, Michigans jobs market still back of the pack, Lansing Math: Michigan pays $340,000 per (promised) job at Gotion factory, Michigans income tax cut was 16 years in the making. Each petition was approved by the Muskegon County Election Commission on June 17. Topics covered: smart grid tech, clean energy, regulation, generation, and much more. wind Since then, the price of gas has increased substantially, from an average of $2.95 per gallon in April 2021 to $4.55 in May 2022 the month the new survey was conducted. All rights reserved. Australia The top of Michigan At 1,979 feet, Mt. Malta Connecticut While DTE says it plans to get that capacity from a number of different sources, a conservative estimate is that it will need hundreds of additional wind turbines to hit that goal. of states wind turbines in Huron turbines will clearly be seen. Residents who live near the $250 million plant began complaining of health problems shortly after the Peru http://www.scandiawind.com/AegirGrid.html, Lake Michigan wind farm plan generates angst, highlights work of Wind Council. Invested over $900 million in electric and gas infrastructure Began operations at Michigans largest wind park Partnered with Toyota to provide clean energy for the automakers research and development operations Granted $3 million to feed Michiganders through the DTE Foundation Reduced customer gas rates Launched skilled-trade U.K. Rural Americans do not want 680 ft wind turbines installed 1000 ft from their homes. Will it be an eyesore left to fall apart? Lisa Linowes According to Humm, Iceland In Hillsdale Countys Wheatland Township, a wind turbinedevelopment that lookslike a done deal is facing backlashfrom residents who worry the project will destroy property values, add to noise pollution and affect local artesian wells. While the state used those new values to assess wind projects some local governments had not yet updated their assessment protocol to match those lower rates. people are not fond of building power plants close to where they live, Myanmar An open house was held by Apex Clean Energy at the Douglass Township Hall to share more information about the project. power Italy live in or migrate across Lake Michigan. Ivan announced that he had asked that the original version of the study be pulled from the website until we have a chance to add some of those qualifies [sic] we discussed., According to Ivan, he discussed the pamphlet with an attorney representing Florida-based NextEra Energy, one of the nations largest wind farm developers. And in nearly every case, wind developments are being challenged by local residents. The extension service originally recommended that the sound pressure level shall not exceed 40 dB (A) measured at the property lines or the lease unit boundary. The revised version suggests that local governments allow wind farms to operate at up to 55 decibels. Vietnam Christian Science Monitor, 1 Mar 10. power Denmark Spend your tourism dollars in communities that support renewable energy development. Its ALL of them. The project is expected to contribute an estimated $65 million over 25 years to the Hillsdale County economy, support 250 construction jobs and create a still undetermined number offull-time operations and maintenance positions, said Invenergy Senior Analyst Ben Lambrecht. function onCatChange() { "If they had just done it fair and just put people on the board that didn't have the conflict of interest and voted it through, okay, that's different," Wheatland Township resident Chris Pollard said. Norwegian developers are proposing the states first offshore wind farm in Lake Michigan near Pentwater. The project includes building 68 wind turbines across four townships. I will tell you, you can see those turbines from three to four miles away, Kritzman said. South Dakota Colombia .page .article .comments .fb-comments iframe { LOCATIONS Tillman said while there have been recent wind turbine failures in the Thumb one being an Exelon turbine the overall safety record of the industry is positive. Slovakia Do you have more questions about the Michigan Wind 3 project or about wind turbines in general? WIND However, no turbines will likely be placed on Engel's property due to the location next to two lakes. arguments for the construction of the wind farm. Tillman said the wind energy leases are tied to the property, so when someone purchases land with a wind turbine on it, that yearly stipend gets transferred to the new owner. [3]. The second lawsuit against Casnovia Township, also filed in Muskegon County Circuit Court, aims to undo the boards April 23 decision to grant the special use permit to AEP, then Sempra, for the proposed wind farm. They are often controversial even there, but one company wants to put a wind farm in an Upper Peninsula forest. DOUGLASS, Mich. It was a contentious Tuesday night in Montcalm County as property owners gathered in protest and in support regarding the possibility of a wind farm in their community. Wind Power: Michigan Voters in Three Counties Reject or Meanwhile, three members of the Casnovia Township Board of Trustees are now facing recall attempts based on their votes to approve the permit. The Michigan Wind 3 project will require only about 10 people to operate it after construction. But utilities continue to pursue projects. Sweden Africa it is much more expensive to build any kind of power plant far from A legal battle over a proposed wind farm of 63 turbines is brewing in a small community in the Thumb area of Michigan. Sherri Lange The plan, for up to 200 turbines within two miles of Silver Lake sand dunes, has generated controversy statewide. Garrett Tetil, one of the leaders of the recall effort, told Michigan Capitol Confidential he will likely sue the township over the special land use permit. Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. Bats find turbines attractive, you can watch with infrared photography the bats chasing the turbine blades. Tillman said Exelon has completed environmental surveys, worked with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. The wind farm project in Hillsdale County is one of seven wind farm projects under development in Michigan according to the Michigan Public Service Commission, which regulates the state's electricity and gas utilities. After that, about 10 jobs will be created to maintain the turbines. From the discussion, it is apparent that there is no 18 Idaho Tillman said several years ago the Michigan State Tax Commission provided updated guidance for the taxable value of wind projects. Energy In rural communities, proposals to erect office-building-high wind turbines pit neighbor against neighbor. Many of you spent countless hours attending township board and planning commission meetings, attending events, and talking to your friends and neighbors. }. Send requests to excerpt, general inquiries, and comments via e-mail. Conflicts between renewables developers and residents of project-adjacent communities are common. He said he believes the townships wind ordinance does not require adequate property-line setbacks or noise limits for wind turbines. When the township board failed to approve a wind turbine moratorium, Tetil hired an attorney. And while township officials review and debate, residents try to seek answers to their concerns and explanations to the financial gain of the project. We asked Clift some questions about the council and the future of offshore wind in Michigan. Roger Knight, 66, of Bridgehampton Townshipis one of those individuals not yet convinced. Lastly, AEP claims that the townships setback requirements are unreasonable. The original MSU Extension Service pamphlet released March 6 was written by staff member Kurt Schindler and reviewed by Brad Neumann, also on the MSU staff. "If (the township government)would have done the vote correctly in the first place, we wouldn't have had a leg to stand on.". recovery. NextEra Energy did not respond to an and email and phone call requesting comment. Yet, many people complain that the Iowa The company says the project If the wind project is built, Pollard said heplans on moving. Wolverine Power Cooperative is the company that will be buying the energy from Exelon and then distributing it to customers. Northern Ireland