location.href = "https://www.wind-watch.org/news/?cat="+dropdown.options[dropdown.selectedIndex].value; Ten days later, on June 27, Powell, Brock and Winnell all filed appeals in circuit court to have the petitions thrown out. Yet we continue to provide subsidies and tax credits to make it appear we are green. Yet there is little to no evidence of the negative impact because it is hard to measure bird and bat deaths by turbines. |. In a May 22 email to Neumann, Matthew Wagner, a manager of renewable energy developments for the utility company DTE, blasted the noise standards in the original pamphlet. Question: What about the conflict of interest and lawsuit? The developers hoped the electricity-generating project, dubbed the Kenowa Ridge Wind Farm Project, could be built by 2020. recovery. Saint Martin Rhode Island More green investment hasnt softened red resistance on climate Exelon began developing the $250-million Michigan Wind 3 project more than five years ago. Jim Wiegand, A project of the institute for energy research, Nebraska wind farm projects cause controversy and heartache. Each complainant said ongoing health issues could be negatively impacted or exacerbated if the wind farm is erected. We need to respect the energy we use the same way we respect the lakes. function onCatChange() { Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. North Dakota Kurt presented this very article to us in a public meeting in Sanilac County a few weeks ago, Bridgehampton Township Supervisor Leo Sonck wrote. Spain "The 4000MW of renewable energy we will add to our portfolio will be a combination of wind and solar. Residents who live near the $250 million plant began complaining of health problems shortly after the Illinois power companies have recently begun building wind farms relatively close Baldwin said a similar project, Apple Blossom wind farm that is slated to be built in Huron County, was approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission to sell their energy for $45 per megawatt hour. Czech Republic Hawaii The second set of risks involves the economics of the project, such as the amount of power produced and the cost per kilowatt. Yes, certain areas due to their pristine nature. "And it's like, well, wait a minute.". Our infrastructures are crumbling from neglect and lack of money. But utilities continue to pursue projects. It was the utility company's first wind plant project in Michigan. Scandia Wind has a proposal for a 1000 MW wind farm offshore from the Ludington Pump Storage Facility (recently downsized). Delaware Idaho recent recession, the industries in the region around Lake Michigan were 2023 www.freep.com. On April 20, Schindler sent an email to his MSU colleagues; he said he was surprised that the document was being questioned by wind industry interests. In the fall of 2019, protesters at Kalaeloa sought to block the transport of turbines to the planned wind farm. controversies and raised debates, be it political, social, or economic. The May 19, 2020, letter from Matt Wagner, DTEs Manager of Renewable Energy Development read: This is a difficult letter to write given how hard many of you have worked to help advocate for a DTE Electric Company (DTE) wind energy project in your community. "Our community right now is very divided," saidWheatland Township Supervisor Dave Stone. The company alleges that several of those stipulations would totally prohibit AEP from building the project, amounting to $200 million in lost revenue for AEP. The turbines would be on a different location further back on the same property as an earlier project pursued by Farm Wind Energy. There is MSUs actions come as developers seek to cash in on a mandate imposed by the Legislature in 2016, which has led to conflicts in Michigan communities targeted for wind farm development. They also claim that township officials knew about the filers circumstances and did not act in their best interest when they approved AEPs special use permit. "If (the township government)would have done the vote correctly in the first place, we wouldn't have had a leg to stand on.". The past few decades have seen a surge of wind energy development in the state of Michigan as technology and new policies have opened up more and more farmland. 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 phase consists of 7 turbines, each The revised pamphlet also allows for much louder turbine operations. Spend your tourism dollars in communities that support renewable energy development. Isle of Man Norway Unfortunately, Burnside Township voted in a restrictive ordinace in February 2018, making utility-scale wind development in the township extremely challenging, if not impossible. Although this document is not meant as a guidebook The groundwork is already being laid for it on other political fronts., Keep watch over your local elected officials, make sure you keep in office the ones who helped block DTE and elect new ones who you know will block them in the future. But first they face local resistance that often manifests itself in zoning ordinances that limit where they can be placed. They want the wind farm because the jobs it will provide will help their However, no turbines will likely be placed on Engel's property due to the location next to two lakes. Members of the Juniata Township planning commission voted to approve a special land use request by wind turbine supplier NextEra Energy Resources. The Crescent Wind Project will help Consumers Energy achieve state-mandated renewable energy requirements as well as the company's own renewable energy goals, said utility spokesman Terry DeDoes. The push followsa recent report that found the California Independent System Operators energy market saw additional wholesale costs of $3 billion in December. I listened to a virtual meeting in a Virginia County last night. Township officials said they followed proper procedure. He said he will be paid for 265 acres which equates to $3,975. and last updated 2021-05-03 06:39:21-04. Dominican Republic Croatia Wind turbines: The money and the myths - Detroit Free 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. According to Neumann, the original document was removed from the MSU website because some at MSU believed it needed more technical accuracy and that it was being misinterpreted. Northern Ireland As you likely recall, when we first approached the community regarding a potential future wind project, we proposed a wind park that included three townships. University officials pulled down the original version of the zoning recommendations after they were contacted by an attorney for the countrys largest wind and solar energy company. every year. August 2, 2019 | Lisa Linowes Consumers Energy quietly enters the wind conventional power plant. Some said it would produce excessive noise and could create hazards for local wildlife. He said itll be an economic boom to the region. As a result, more There is a place for this, and its away from people.". Michigan also has a handful ofstate-level incentives that support wind energy that range from a $2 million incentive to tax abatements. There are 33 wind industry-associated manufacturing facilities in the state. 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. Amid continued controversy and delayed application reviews, the 499-foot turbines have yet to sprout. In May, voters in The controversy continues a years worth of consternation over the wind farm project. Big Wind Throws in the Towel in Lapeer County, Michigan Stone said the township and localschools could use their cut of the about $22 millionof tax revenue the wind developer expects to be generated in Hillsdale County from theturbinesand connected infrastructure. wind There have been 21 wind referendums in Michigan since 2009 and all of them have sent WIND out of their community. Are there places where Michigan should consider not allowing offshore turbines? Conflicts between renewables developers and residents of project-adjacent communities are common. West Virginia 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. Lakes Eyed for Offshore Wind Farms," msnbc.com, 31 Energy 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 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. 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. Black Enterprises, located near the wind farm, causing substantial economic harm to plan participants. Christian Science Monitor, 1 Mar 10. Farm in the Great Lakes? Connecticut Sanilac County has already collected revenue from two other turbine projects that were built in 2012 one was another Exelon project that built 50 turbines called the Michigan Wind 2 project, and the others was a DTE Energy project that built 20 turbines. Kritzman, 81, of Marion Townshiphas lived on his land for 55 years and doesnt mind seeing the three turbines that are already about four miles from his home every day. The turbines in total length must be one and a half times the length away from a property line and two times away from a home. Americans back incentives for electric cars, are divided over A boom in wind energy is sparking controversy in Huron County, at the tip of Michigan's thumb. Arkansas The dispute in Juniata Township began in Nov. 2017 when officials received a special land use permit request from NextEra Energy. using them based upon the amount of time it would take for each and any So what we need to do is: http://www.michiganglowcouncil.org/ http://www.scandiawind.com/AegirGrid.html, 602 W Ionia St, Lansing, MI 48933, United States, Created By STORYLICIOUS With NationBuilder. area, which includes cities like Chicago and Detroit. But while some advocates suggest that nuclear power a source that emits no carbon should have a more prominent role in the nations energy makeup, the public His article was very clear, and for once the recommendations or suggestions were actually in line with doing what is right for everyone, not just for the [wind energy] developers.. Slovakia SOURCES 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. http://www.scandiawind.com/AegirGrid.html, Lake Michigan wind farm plan generates angst, highlights work of Wind Council. Minnesota completely in the scope of this paper. In addition to concerns about financial gain, residents have expressed concern with the safety and wildlife impact of the turbines, among other issues. but after complaints from the locals, the project was downsized to 500 Because of the close proximity of the power plant to the cities, Nova Scotia Of that pot of money, Deckerville Community Schools received about $57,000 in 2015. Pollardsaid he opposes thewind developmentbecause he believes it wouldruin the area's artesian wells and kill bats and birds. The Michigan Wind 3 project will require only about 10 people to operate it after construction. Members of the Juniata Township However, this risk is likely lower than the danger of coal prices escalating sharply in the next decade and causing the same economic disruption as $4 a gallon gasoline did. This is what it sounds like inside Michigan's largest wind farm AEP wants to build 31 wind turbines across portions of Casnovia wind power does not produce carbon dioxide as a by-product, which means WIND Id prefer watching wind turbines spin. "The project went through several regulatory review processes, all of which were open to the public, and received unanimous approval each time.". 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. Alabama Wind farms generally do not present a problem if they Roger Knight, 66, of Bridgehampton Townshipis one of those individuals not yet convinced. The wind farm would impair the assets of P.D. Aruba We are a very divided community because of this. We are so thankful for your partnership and advocacy over these last few years. industry as well as the real estate value of the houses there. In 2020, costs were $1,462/kW. British Columbia Saskatchewan Some wind farm developers have sued communities, contending that their zoning ordinance is too restrictive. "I never signed up for this. This could mean that the local governments collected too much tax revenue from the company and may have to pay it back. Peru 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. DTEs wind parks are doing more than generating clean energy; theyre also strengthening Michigans economy. Rural communities that host wind energy projects benefit from the added tax revenue these projects generate, and farmers who host turbines and other infrastructure on their property appreciate the extra income this provides. 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. The ruling came amid a push from the Biden administration for more renewable energy, including a large expansion of offshore wind farms. severely disrupted, and the area has still not made a complete economic Most Sri Lanka Texas Turkey 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. The first set of risks involves the impact on birds, wildlife, aquatic ecosystems and bats. On June 4, resident Daniel Kosheba filed recall petitions against Powell, Brock and Winnell. Editorials 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. But that's not enough to assuage residents concerned that wind turbines will destroy their rural quality of life. Missouri Citizens split on wind turbine plant in Montcalm County - WXMI closer to solving the energy controversies of the world. Once concern is the short shelf life of the special use permit, which is valid only for six months. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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 houses in the area. MSU then posted a revised version on Aug. 24. After that, about 10 jobs will be created to maintain the turbines. Those in opposition worry most about what they describe as "unsafe" distances between turbines and homes or property lines. Question:How much electricity can these turbines actually produce? before. Sherri Lange Portugal primarily because of noise pollution and decreased real estate value of it is much more expensive to build any kind of power plant far from England wind farm does not solve all of the problems associated with it. the wind farms as green energy sources that can only be implemented in The recommended setbacks in the revised version are less than half this distance, potentially allowing spinning turbine blades in greater proximity to neighbors homes. Some Scotland such as extra electricity and a potential help to the economy, as The phase consists of 50 turbines with 1.8MW nameplate capacity. DTE will be back even worse, almost guaranteed., I am hoping this isnt a twisted DTE strategy to lull people into apathy and then BAM North Branch has an ordinance that doesnt offer residents the protections we deserve, opening the door for DTE or another company to come knocking. The group now has more than 110 members. We would hope to bring the project online by the end of 2018.. the cost for electricity would be smaller than if the plant were built Follow her on Twitter @nicoleandpig. Wisconsin Russia Print Edition Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts. Coal ash piles leaching acidic discharge into our Great Lakes are ugly. Kansas [ Short URL: https://wind-watch.org/news/?p=93800 ], Wind farm east of Muskegon met with lawsuits, recall attempts. Topics covered: utility-scale storage, distributed storage, storage technologies, policy and regulations, and more. -->, [Google-powered results by relevance], Add NWW headlines to your site (clickhere), Later Post News Watch Home Earlier Post , Credit: By Ben Solis | WebConsumer's Energy has constructed a meteorological tower in rural Elmwood Township, in Tuscola County, to lay the groundwork for planned wind development in the area. Email investigative reporter Nicole Hayden with your questions atnhayden@gannett.comor tweet her @nicoleandpig. max-width: none !important; to build a large wind farm consisting of several hundred wind turbines All 30 communities in Michigan that host wind turbines have conflcited officials who receive a direct financial benefit from the wind energy companies after approving a weak but pro wind sponsored wind ordinance. 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. WebOn a capacity-weighted average basis, wind project costs declined by roughly $3,147/ kW between the early 1980s and 2020. In 2018, it published a database with wind turbine records that it keeps regularly updated. [2] To put this The incentives are driving a wind turbineboom across the country. "But what we are all concerned is that this company wants to build 600-foot industrial turbines 1,200 feet from our homes. Sweden She said she had a home listed for sale recently in Deckerville because the home owners wanted to move away from the turbines. After years of argumentation and controversy, Detroit-based DTE Energy (formerly Detroit Edison) cancelled wind leases in North Branch and Burlington Answer: Tillman said per ordinance, Exelon would be required to remove the turbine at the end of its life. Costa Rica AEP wants to build 31 wind turbines across portions of Casnovia Township in Muskegon County and Tyrone Township in Kent County. Sempra Renewables proposed the project in 2018. "We figure people have the right to do what they want on their own land, but we're not going to choose a side in the matter.". Print Edition We asked Clift some questions about the council and the future of offshore wind in Michigan. Morocco margin: 0 -8px !important; Because of this, Exelon filed a tax appeal to ensure their wind projects were properly assessed. Power The top of Michigan At 1,979 feet, Mt. wind turbines Honduras The Kalamink Wind Project could bring wind turbines to five mid-michigan townships. Its a constant 55 decibels of noise that rattles pictures on the wall, and then nobody will ever buy my place, and casts shadows, and causes health effects that have come to light like nausea and vertigo. We want to let you know that we have decided to start releasing wind easements and participation agreements in your community effective August 1, 2020 and that you will be receiving a more formal letter regarding terminations in the coming weeks. North Carolina Theres an urgency to movingforward with the project Consumers Energy needs work to start by Dec. 31 to qualify for millions of dollars in federal tax credits. Chile The county has 11 wind projects with 300 turbines and could Arvon is the highest point in Michigan. California Question: What is the likelihood the turbines break or catch fire? width: 100% !important; Taiwan | www.mlive.com ~~. 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. As to the structures themselves, the state can protect itself from other risks by requiring the developer to purchase bonds to ensure structures are maintained and properly removed after their useful life. Such stories are many, the most recent concerning a recently cancelled project in central Michigan. 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. Luxembourg Others worried, as Jennifer Armstrong has, about shadow flicker from turbine blades. Please check your e-mail for a link to activate your account. 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. There is no set deadline for reviewing land use applications, leading an Exelon spokesmen to cite this as a move to delay the project. Write, call, email; This is really appreciated that you have presented this data over here, I love all the information shared. They are currently in the public engagement stage holding a number of public and private meetings with people in the community regarding the proposal. 6 The average installed cost of a small (<100 kW) turbine was approximately $9,500 per kW in 2020. Manitoba Switzerland It just takes a few to believe the money is easy and the reason honorable. Kritzman said he was not told what the average yearly payment was expected to be, and Tillman declined to provide an expected average. display: block !important; paradoxical; yet, that is exactly what has happened in the case of using 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy Lastly, AEP claims that the townships setback requirements are unreasonable. Wind turbines provide clean energy primarily through utility-scale projects in rural communities. How can Michiganders have input into offshore wind development in general and specific projects in particular? 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. While we share your disappointment with the outcome, it does not diminish our great appreciation for your ceaseless support. Tillman said during both turbine malfunctions no person or property was damaged. Many have put their families and their community name on the line to go against their neighbors to fight for what they believe in. still the question of proximity to the shoreline that has only been Israel that it would have a much smaller impact on the environment than a more to copy, distribute and display this work in unaltered form, with Another stipulation required AEP to install ice mitigation systems on each turbine. Some communities welcome wind farm developments, but in others, proposals for wind farms have led to legal and political strife. Township officials denied the groups appeal of its decision to grant conditional-use land permits to the Crescent Wind project. var dropdown = document.getElementById("cat"); Weekly Climate and Energy News Roundup #411 | Watts Up With That? However, they are nearly 500 feet tall. would be visible from the shore. We support that," said Erik Benko. It is a long hard road, and we cannot simply rejoice and leave the table and assume all will be ok., Its the same situation and every small community in the United States where wind companies show up and try to force their wind developments into that community. Japan 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. Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. Ontario 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. 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. Bridgehampton, Marion and Washington townships will be home to the actual turbines while Custer Township will make room for supporting equipment. While David Tillman, Exelon director of nuclear communications, declined to release the lease agreements, Dean Kritzman was willing to share the lease he signed. His review of only the acoustical aspects of this document indicates there are serious flaws with the MSU Extension documents content and call into question the documents validity on the whole..