December 11, 2014
Michigan

Commissioner calls for moratorium on wind projects

By Kelly Krager, Editor | Huron County View | 2014-12-11 | huroncountyview.mihomepaper.com

HURON COUNTY – Citing resident requests, one Huron County Commissioner said he plans to renew the discussion to prevent new wind parks in the county.

Commissioner John Nugent said an increasing percentage of the community opposes wind parks and is asking the county to halt new developments.

“A lot of you saw what is happening in Meade Township. There is a growing concern about these wind turbine developments and the fact that we have an antiquated ordinance that is in the process of being revised,” he said. “I think a moratorium is in order at this point until that ordinance can be revised.”

The moratorium not only would protect the interests of the community, it would prevent the wind companies from incurring additional costs associated with planning developments in the county.

“I hope to bring a resolution to that effect to this board,” Nugent said.

The suggestion follows unrest and months of contentious meetings in Meade Township, where the township board in November approved a wind overlay district request made by Detroit Edison.

Nugent’s suggestion also falls on the heels of an announcement by Geronimo Huron Wind, which is planning a 100-megawatt wind farm spanning McKinley and Winsor townships.

The Apple Blossom Wind Farm’s footprint represents a total investment of nearly $200 million once fully developed, according to information from Geronimo. It will consist of between 43 and 62 turbines, depending on the type of turbine selected.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/12/11/commissioner-calls-for-moratorium-on-wind-projects/