Offshore Wind Deliberated, But What Now?
The House Energy and Technology Committee convened Tuesday to discuss the future of offshore wind power in Michigan. The current bill was discussed and debated, but no conclusion was reached, and it seems as though the legislation will not move further before the end of session on Thursday.
This legislation would put regulations on which levels of government would control the implementation of new projects. The bill dictates that no wind turbine could be built within 3 miles of the shoreline, and any wind project within 6 miles of the shoreline is to be regulated by counties. Projects outside of 6 miles from shore would be regulated at the state level. Also, certain areas would be designated as eligible for wind projects, and others ineligible.
Proponents and opponents of the bill and offshore wind power in general testified to the committee Tuesday, but no conclusions were reached. The benefits of offshore wind projects for Michigan manufacturing were argued for, and it was stressed that wind is a growing industry, and Michigan does not want to fall behind other Great Lakes states in its development.
Failure to do something now would hinder progress in offshore wind, and could even be detrimental. With the recent elections taking place, and terms ending, anything could happen in the new Legislature. The bill and the effort could be back to Square One. We just don’t know, and that is a problem.
Thursday Dec. 2 is the last day the House is set to convene, and it will be their last chance to do something about wind. Wind could in fact be a key element in rebuilding the state’s economy, and it would be troubling (to say the least) to see it brushed aside in these final days of session. We need to move now, or risk losing all we have built up to this point.
-- Photo Credit m.prinke
