We can't," hesaid. I listened to a virtual meeting in a Virginia County last night. Consider your own project. 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. } The turbines would be on a different location further back on the same property as an earlier project pursued by Farm Wind Energy. A solution is not to build turbines in popular migratory paths. wind farm does not solve all of the problems associated with it. Mason said by the time an inspector comes to survey the number of dead animals, another animal most likely already ate its remains. 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 Once concern is the short shelf life of the special use permit, which is valid only for six months. http://www.scandiawind.com/AegirGrid.html, Lake Michigan wind farm plan generates angst, highlights work of Wind Council. Through 2011, 86% of Michigans 10% renewables by 2015 mandate had been contracted for through wind development and at present DTE is within one already-planned wind project of achieving the 10% requirement. In Central Illinois, farm land that had been tiled and drained, beginning over 100 years ago has been wrecked by the installation of a wind farce, farm is a misnomer. Those plants result in significant public health costs and damage to our natural resources. Scotland 6 The average installed cost of a small (<100 kW) turbine was approximately $9,500 per kW in 2020. Mississippi Maryland Most WebWind turbines provide clean energy primarily through utility-scale projects in rural communities. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation creating a mandate called the renewable energy portfolio standard that requires the state to get 10 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015. While David Tillman, Exelon director of nuclear communications, declined to release the lease agreements, Dean Kritzman was willing to share the lease he signed. Tillman said that is an average amount, not full capacity. Developer Scandia Wind Offshore LLC recently announced it was cutting the project size in half and moving it farther offshore in response to criticism. } Tillman said the property setbacks are in place to protect people and homes from being injured or damaged. The plan, for up to 200 turbines within two miles of Michigan Wind Farm (Michigan Wind III Farm - Phase I) will be equipped with GE Renewable Energy turbines. turbines will be very beneficial for the local economy. Webeasy solution to the controversy surrounding the Lake Michigan wind farm. If your neighbor does something on your ground thats not neighborly, you should have a say. Brenda Smigill, Archie Thomas Real Estate owner in Port Sanilac, said it is harder to sell homes in areas where turbine projects are being constructed. Listening to the public comments at that meeting was almost identical to listening to comments in North Branch Township and in Burlington Township and in Almer Township and everywhere else Ive been in the state of Michigan.. But you should know, all the money we received from the windmills since 2012 is being appealed through the (Michigan Tax Tribunal), so we may have to pay some of the money back and we dont know how much we would have to pay back yet, Pawlowski said. A boom in wind energy is sparking controversy in Huron County, at the tip of Michigan's thumb. The other argument is that making the wind the cost for electricity would be smaller than if the plant were built Lastly, AEP claims that the townships setback requirements are unreasonable. Donate opponents of clean energy sources were raising their voices against Morocco Nevada be smaller, there will not be as many positive benefits to the area, The construction of the project, which is slated to take about nine months, is expected to create 120 jobs. Subsequently, a group of residents asked the township board to adopt a moratorium on wind farm developments so the community could revise a wind zoning ordinance adopted in 2010. Oklahoma Belgium The Governor then extended the life of the council, adding new members and charging the council with finishing the mapping exercise, developing a more comprehensive leasing regulation and further engaging the public in a discussion on the topic. -->, [Google-powered results by relevance], Add NWW headlines to your site (clickhere), Later Post News Watch Home Earlier Post , Credit: By Ben Solis | Opinions Send requests to excerpt, general inquiries, and comments via e-mail. From the discussion, it is apparent that there is no Arkansas About 100 residents throughout the four townships have signed leases with Exelon. Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. 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. Our infrastructures are crumbling from neglect and lack of money. I never knew about it when I bought this house.. Posted at 6:00 AM, May 03, 2021 . 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. Exelon has filed the applications and is now waiting for a decision. But while momentum is growing, significantchallenges lie ahead. A broad majority of Americans (69%) favor the United States taking steps to become carbon neutral by 2050, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in January. In 2020, costs were $1,462/kW. [2] S. Warner, "The Township officials said they followed proper procedure. Question: What happens when the turbine stops working? New Mexico Austria The community divide concerning a wholly unnecessary project was also noted in social media comments: [] https://www.masterresource.org/wind-turbine-noise-issues/big-wind-loses-lapeer-county/ [], [] Big Wind Throws in the Towel in Lapeer County, Michigan (grassroots environmentalism prevails) []. 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. We do have landowners who have signed onto the project and sufficient land to be able to build this project, Bryan Garner, manager of communications for Florida-based NextEra, told MLive. This could mean that the local governments collected too much tax revenue from the company and may have to pay it back. The reimbursement that the company receives is based on the amount of electricity generated. Bridgehampton Townships planning commission members voting on the project after the majority of the voting body had already signed personal land lease contracts with Exelon Knight also has concerns about the safety of the structures and the impact they will have on non-participating properties. Kritzman said he was not told what the average yearly payment was expected to be, and Tillman declined to provide an expected average. The bigger issue people dont talk about is bat mortality, Mason said. } Answer: We covered that topic intentlyhere,hereandhere. The Kalamink Wind Project could bring wind turbines to five mid-michigan townships. 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. "I got a letter at my house on July the first of this year come to find out there's going to be one right behind my house. Spend your tourism dollars in communities that support renewable energy development. industry as well as the real estate value of the houses there. Answer: According to Tillman, Exelon spokesman, the 68 turbines will be able to produce enough energy annually to power 44,000 Michigan homes a year. Rural Americans do not want 680 ft wind turbines installed 1000 ft from their homes. Quebec India The plan, for up to 200 turbines within two miles of Silver Lake sand dunes, has generated controversy statewide. Panama Because the wind farm will now A wind-energy project in anUpper Peninsula community announced that its decided to stop development of a project in April in the face of delays and opposition. The systems would stop the turbines whenever ice is detected to prevent large shards from being hurled toward nearby residences. 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. What about solar energy and other renewable sources? Some wind farm developers have sued communities, contending that their zoning ordinance is too restrictive. Pollard, a six-year resident,founded Informed Citizens of Wheatland Township in August when he learned a wind turbine would go up near his house. The share of Americans who are very or somewhat likely to purchase an electric car or truck is about the same as in April 2021. Contact Nicole Hayden at 810-989-6279 or nhayden@gannett.com. Blogs South Africa An anti-wind turbine sign stands in the front yard of a farmhouse in Glenville, Minn., in January 2018. Opponents of wind power are successfully stalling or rejecting wind farm projects across the country. Kitson, the administrator of the Facebook page, says he knows that these accidents aren't typical. "Those events are not likely. The township sent out a notice to residents notifying them of the request, as well as an upcoming meeting covering the permit. Croatia Indiana rights, including commercial rights, are reserved to the author. Fritz is paralyzed from chest down due to traumatic injury and has debilitating neuropathic pain exacerbated by changes in pressure and/or lack of sleep. www.mlive.com ~~. Editorials While Knight will not have a turbine on his land, he will be able to see turbines that his neighbors have signed up for an eyesore for him. recent recession, the industries in the region around Lake Michigan were The phase consists of 7 turbines, each Weekly Climate and Energy News Roundup #411 | Watts Up With That? Yet, many people complain that the | North Carolina The problem itself, in fact, is far too complex to evaluate One lawsuit was filed by residents opposed to the project, and the other by the projects developer, American Electric Power. Tillman said during both turbine malfunctions no person or property was damaged. Ontario 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. Guam Aside from the projects previous conflict of interest i.e. Jordan Oct 08. The share of Americans who are very or somewhat likely to purchase an electric car or truck is about the same as in April 2021. Exelon is still waiting for land use applications to be reviewed by Bridgehampton and Marion townships. If the plan is successful, the turbines could be implemented in 2024. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Question: Do wind turbines impact home values? He said itll be an economic boom to the region. According to the Michigan Public Service Commission, a majority of the states wind developments are in the Thumb region. Russ Mason, Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife chief, said the turbines have little impact on ground animals such as deer, but a major impact on birds and bats. But that's not enough to assuage residents concerned that wind turbines will destroy their rural quality of life. Many have put their families and their community name on the line to go against their neighbors to fight for what they believe in. Kritzman said he will be paid a one-time fee of $15 per acre of land he owns. | When Exelon approached Dean Kritzman about leasing his land for the energy companys most recent wind turbine project, Kritzman didnt hesitate to say yes. completely in the scope of this paper. They are also told the other neighbors have signed on, you might as well sign too. There's no question about that," said Transeth, founder and principle partner ofTranseth and Associates, whichprovideslegal and consulting services in energy and utility law. Question: What about the conflict of interest and lawsuit? New York Such stories are many, the most recent concerning a recently cancelled project in central Michigan. They also result in billions of dollars a year leaving the state to purchase coal from other states. Wyoming North Dakota WebOn a capacity-weighted average basis, wind project costs declined by roughly $3,147/ kW between the early 1980s and 2020. Some receive checks for hosting turbines on their land; the rest dread the intrusion to their senses. wind turbines will provide a large amount of cheap, clean power to the Costa Rica Ireland The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimatesthat in 2019 there will be the highest amount of wind capacity added to the country's electricity grid since 2012 as developers look to qualify for the federal Production Tax Credit. than before, but there will still be large regions from which the wind Manitoba Myanmar Brazil Colorado They promise the County, the School, Fire Departments, 911, Townships, and Municipalities riches from the taxes they will earn from power generated. Northern Ireland A broad majority of Americans (69%) favor the United States taking steps to become carbon neutral by 2050, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in January. Renewables opponents must answer questions about climate changes far more severe environmental impacts and recognize renewables significant local economic benefits. The township board also worried about blade delamination, or the breakdown of the laminated coating of wind turbine blades. In May, voters in As a result, more However, she said she doesnt know if turbines result in a minimal or large drop in price. All rights reserved. As for bats, Mason said turbines are especially dangerous. "You've got to understand something about this town: anybody who has a sizable portion of land in our town has signed a lease," Stone, the township supervisor said. Lets finish this strong., Sadly it will likely take YEARS for many to recover from this divide., We need to continue to engage in our community. Since it is difficult to claim any energy source as ideal, conservative And while township officials review and debate, residents try to seek answers to their concerns and explanations to the financial gain of the project. Question: How many acres will the turbines take up? population centers than nearby because it is more expensive to transmit Latvia The legislation recommended by the council requires developers to do a site-specific assessment of their parcel. When operational, the 225 megawatt wind park will have 77 wind turbines and generate MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI A proposed wind farm project at the border of Muskegon and Kent counties continues to be the subject of sharp division between residents, their elected officials and the projects developer. With the taxes deferred, promises made, work begun it will be too late for reflection, when you finally realize its all done with your money. Czech Republic It is premature to speculate on how much of each we will build and what capacity may be for future wind turbines or solar arrays," said Cindy Hecht, a spokespersonat DTE Energy. live in or migrate across Lake Michigan. Great post to share!! controversies and raised debates, be it political, social, or economic. It will be very helpful to understand the wind turbine noise issues and big wind loses Lapeer County. Neighboring Fairgrove Township, which gave its approval last fall,would see 32, according to a report from MLive. But still, Kritzman has no idea what to expect in terms of payment. All other Vermont Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. Lisa Linowes Many of you spent countless hours attending township board and planning commission meetings, attending events, and talking to your friends and neighbors. Puerto Rico DTE Energy, which already purchases electricity from two NextEra wind farms in the county, plans to add 4,000 megawatts in renewable capacity over the next few decades. Rhode Island Most wind energy projects in Michigan are on farmland in the southern part of the state. Honduras British Columbia The phase consists of 50 turbines with 1.8MW nameplate capacity. In May, voters in Huron County defeated permissive windmill zoning proposals by a vote of nearly two to one. Remember, wind turbines only create energy if there is wind. Tillman said the jobs will still be high paying, skilled jobs though. Nothing is going to change until our representatives begin to feel how much we are suffering the waste. The project includes building 68 wind turbines across four townships. In rural communities, proposals to erect office-building-high wind turbines pit neighbor against neighbor. very specific areas, and to them it seems counterintuitive that there Switzerland Besides the Mason County wind farm, Consumers Energy is planning development of the Cross Winds Energy Park in Tuscola and Huron counties in Michigan's Thumb region. In light of our questions in this matter, we asked our own expert on acoustics to weigh in, Wagner said. width: auto !important; 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. partially addressed: the new wind farm will be visible from fewer places Alabama Another stipulation required AEP to install ice mitigation systems on each turbine. Offshore wind has the potential to reduce the environmental impacts from power production, create jobs that put our manufacturing base back to work and keep more of our money in Michigan rather than buying coal from others. Christian Science Monitor, 1 Mar 10. Oregon 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.