MICHIGAN CAN BUILD GREAT WIND ON THE GREAT LAKES

Next battle over wind energy in Michigan awaits offshore; Hoekstra on Lake Michigan turbines: 'It's an option I would consider'
Ted Roelofs, August 6, 2009 (The Michigan Messenger)

"As Michigan seeks to close its wind power gap with neighboring states, it is also approaching a formidable political hurdle…Is the state ready to accept offshore wind turbines in waters prized by boaters and wealthy lakeshore property owners alike?…[The] Great Lakes Wind Council…is recommending a change in state law to authorize placement of wind turbines at least six miles off shore…[and] said the state can ill afford to ignore the economic potential of wind power, let alone its obvious benefit as a clean alternative to power sources like coal and nuclear…

"Michigan ranks last among Great Lakes states in wind power…Power standards in Michigan require that 10 percent of the state’s power come from wind, solar or other green sources by 2015. A recent legislative package unveiled by House Democrats, business leaders and clean energy advocates would push that to 30 percent by 2025."

Michigan is surrounded by TREMENDOUS assets off all its shores. (click to enlarge)

"Proponents say the package will help make Michigan a center in the green energy industry…The bills are unlikely to get attention in the Senate until the state’s budget crisis is resolved…

"U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra…a Republican gubernatorial candidate…said he would be wary of pushing up renewable energy standards beyond the current 10-percent limit because of the cost to business…Hoekstra said he would consider offshore wind turbines if the technology is proven and it would not be cost-prohibitive to implement…"

Ohio is preparing to build wind in Lake Erie off Cleveland. Is Michigan going to get left behind in ANOTHER industry? (click to enlarge)

"Hoekstra pushed for a $1.4 million demonstration wind turbine in Muskegon Lake…But even Michigan’s modest inland wind farm efforts have often met with considerable local opposition and delay…The battle over…turbines off-shore, where it is easier to harness wind energy, is likely to be even more charged.

"In Massachusetts, a $1-billion proposal to build the first large-scale offshore wind farm off Cape Cod has faced opposition from influential opponents that include U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy. It has been in the works for seven years…Rustem said that same not-in-my-backyard syndrome is holding Michigan back…The Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council is recommending amending Public Act 325 to allow offshore waters to be included in the public trust. That would give the state authority to override local opposition."