Wind Power News: Michigan
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Resolution 2018-07 approved
UNION CITY – The council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2018-07 regarding DTE Energy Wind Turbines. Resolution 2018-07 reads as follows: “Whereas, land owners in Union Township but outside of the Village of Union City have contract or intend to contract with DTE Energy to locate wind turbines on property in Union Township; and Whereas, said properties may be located near the Village of Union City; and Whereas, the citizens of the Village of Union City are concerned that the location of . . . Complete story »
Wind farm issue blows in changes
L’ANSE – The L’Anse Township planning Commission experienced several changes in membership last week, with four new members being appointed by the Township Board and two more members resigning. Brian Kissel was appointed as the board liaison to the commission. Erik Mattox was re-appointed to another 3-year term. Catherine Andrews, who has served on the commission for nine years, was not re-appointed, with three members of the board voting against her. Andrews said she is disappointed, but not surprised. “Renewable Energy . . . Complete story »
County officials question planning chairwoman over wind comments
CORUNNA – Bonnie Ott, the chairwoman of the Shiawassee County Planning Commission, attended the Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday in response to an invitation she wasn’t expecting and wasn’t happy about. During a board of commissioners session Monday, Commissioner Michael Bruff had expressed disappointment with something Ott had said in May: She and planning commission member Robert Ebmeyer told the board they had voted in favor of revised, stricter rules for wind turbine projects, but regretted it. Ott said . . . Complete story »
Friends of the Huron Mountains files injunction to stop building permits in Baraga County
In Baraga County, the battle over a proposed wind turbine development in L’Anse Township is going to court. On Thursday, the Friends of the Huron Mountains asked a Baraga County Circuit Court judge to block three building permits. L’anse Township issued the permits for meteorological (MET) towers last year, which RES Americas Inc. built on Weyerhaeuser property. The towers are gathering wind data, but wind turbine opponents say L’Anse Township improperly issued the permits. The Friends of the Huron Mountains . . . Complete story »
Traverse City commits to going 100 percent renewable by 2040
Traverse City became the first city in the state of Michigan Tuesday to commit to using 100 percent renewable energy community-wide by 2040. Traverse City Light & Power (TCL&P) board members approved a commitment to obtain 100 percent of the utility’s power generation from renewable sources – such as solar, wind, and landfill gas – within the next two decades. Traverse City had previously committed to powering all city buildings with renewable energy by 2020; other Michigan cities, including Grand . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine plan gets blowback in Bay County’s Monitor Township
Note: This report was updated on Thursday, Aug. 16 to include comments from DTE Energy and Planning Commission member Terry Miller. MONITOR TWP., MI – Many residents of Bay County’s Monitor Township turned out Tuesday, Aug. 14, to voice opposition to wind turbines being built in the area and how the township’s planning commission has handled the process. After hearing the complaints, the planning commission voted unanimously to create a committee to look at the issue of wind turbines in . . . Complete story »
Sparks fly at township meeting over wind turbines
Residents from a Mid-Michigan town are continuing their fight against wind turbines coming to their community. Sparks flew the last time Monitor Township residents met to discuss the possibility of turbines being built nearby. This time it was no different. At Tuesday’s meeting, multiple residents asked Commissioner Terry Miller to abstain from voting in the future regarding wind turbines. “You will remove yourself from voting. You will remove yourself from voting right now,” one resident said. “Terry, I don’t really . . . Complete story »
Emotional wind turbine debate continues in Kawkawlin Township
Emotions remain high in Bay County’s Kawkawklin Township over where to place wind turbines proposed by DTE Energy. There’s some support based on potential income for farmers and possible revenue for infrastructure upgrades like roads. But many others told Township trustees Monday they’re strongly opposed based on issues like size, noise and shadow flicker. Trustees recently ratified a 120 day moratorium on placement lasting through November 5th. Some residents say they’ve heard conflicting reports that DTE won’t place any wind . . . Complete story »
Tensions rise over proposed wind farm in Kawkawlin Township
KAWKAWLIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The drama over a new wind farm is boiling over again in Bay County. At Monday night’s Kawkawlin Township board meeting the topic was not on the agenda but that didn’t stop residents from voicing their frustrations. DTE is proposing a new wind farm in Kawkawlin Township. According to WSGW Radio, last month a 120-day moratorium was put in place by the board stopping special use and construction permits for wind turbines. Those who live in . . . Complete story »
Isabella townships say no to planning and zoning boards
Residents in five Isabella County townships resoundingly voted down proposals to form planning and zoning boards independent from the county in Tuesday’s primary. High voter turnout in Denver, Gilmore, Isabella, Nottawa and Vernon townships —over 40 percent in some precincts— slapped down the proposals with margins of at least 2 -1. Spurred by a vocal anti-wind farm contingent, ballot initiatives asking voters to establish those independent boards were accompanied by millages request to fund them if approved in Denver, Nottawa . . . Complete story »
