FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 20, 2010
LANSING, Mich. — The Lake Michigan P.O.W.E.R Coalition issued the following statement today in reaction to legislation introduced by state Rep. Goeff Hansen putting a moratorium on wind energy development in the Great Lakes.
“We applaud Rep. Hansen’s leadership on wind development in the Great Lakes,” said Jeff Hoenle, president of Lake Michigan P.O.W.E.R. Coalition. “As we’ve stated all along, we support smart wind development. The project being proposed in Mason and Oceana counties is not a smart approach – too many questions are still left unanswered, specifically the process by which the developers would be granted access to build in Lake Michigan.”
Scandia Wind LLC has proposed a 100-square mile offshore wind power plant in Lake Michigan, from just south of Ludington to Silver Lake. The proposal includes 200 turbines placed 2-3 miles from the shoreline.
Hansen, R-Hart, previously introduced House Concurrent Resolution 39 urging the governor and attorney general to place an immediate moratorium on permitting or leasing for offshore wind energy development. Today, he introduced House Bill 5761 to legally prohibit development of a project until the state has implemented an oversight system.
“Rep. Hansen’s bill needs immediate action by the Legislature so that a process can be established, guaranteeing our environment and rights are being protected,” Hoenle said.
Hoenle also pointed out that even Skip Pruss, chairman of the Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council called the Scandia proposal “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Pruss is also director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.
“We’re not alone in thinking that this whole project just needs to stop – no more progress should be made until the state has its ducks in a row,” Hoenle said.
Lake Michigan P.O.W.E.R. Coalition has more than 700 members, and has created a Web site to continue attracting new supporters and organize advocacy efforts – www.protectwithpower.org.
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