Originally published July 26 2005
Mackinaw Power proposes 21-turbine wind farm for area's energy needs
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
If Mackinaw Power's proposed 21-turbine wind farm on the shores of Lake Michigan are realized, it will be the largest wind farm in the state, and The Detroit News reports that it would provide power to all 27,000 residents of the surrounding county.
The most ambitious wind power project in Michigan history is taking shape in rural Oceana County on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan.
With hopes of bringing this state up to speed with the nation's fastest growing source of electricity, Rich VanderVeen of Grand Rapids-based Mackinaw Power has proposed a 21-turbine wind farm on an elevated 8,000 acres of farmland north of Muskegon.
The 230-foot turbines would share the land with cherry and apple orchards and fields of asparagus.
VanderVeen says his windmills would generate electricity for all 27,000 people who live in the county -- tapping a natural resource that is in endless supply and cranks out power without pollution or foreign energy sources.
Just three turbines exist in the state today, two run by VanderVeen in Mackinac County and the third in Traverse City, operated by the local power and light company.
"We are behind in this area, but we're doing some things to catch up," said Bob Nelson, outgoing member of the Michigan Public Service Commission, which regulates the electric industry.
Rod Blagojevich called for wind farms generating 3,000 megawatts of power to be built in his state by 2012.
A Detroit News review of campaign finance records showed the state's two main utilities contributed nearly $1.6 million to state officials in the last three election cycles, including $265,000 to members of the Legislature who had direct oversight over utility issues.
In Oceana County, one local township has approved VanderVeen's project, and the county board unanimously recommended it.
The local zoning ordinance sets requirements on placement of the turbines that would be impossible to meet, VanderVeen says.
In the meantime, state Rep. Howard Walker, R-Traverse City, has introduced two bills calling for statewide zoning standards on windmills, taking the decision out of the hands of the townships.
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