Mason County Board of Commissioners Rejects Scandia Proposal
Lake Michigan P.O.W.E.R. Calls On Scandia To Respect The County’s Decision
LUDINGTON, MI., June 8, 2010– The Mason County Board of Commissioners sent a clear message tonight that the near shore of Lake Michigan off Ludington is not the place for an industrial facility.
The Lake Michigan P.O.W.E.R. Coalition (LMPC) described the vote as a decisive moment in the fight against the Aegir Project. The Coalition called on Scandia to stand by its commitment to withdraw the proposal if the affected community did not support it.
“From the beginning,” said Jeff Hoenle, President of the LMPC,
“Mr. Dirdal and Mr. Warner have been clear about one thing: If the counties vote thumbs down, Scandia will honor that wish and not pursue this proposal. Mason County has now spoken, joining Pentwater Village and Pentwater Township in rejecting the Aegir Project. It is now time for Mr. Dirdal and Mr. Warner to honor their word and abandon any plans to install wind turbines off of Mason County.”
Scandia Wind’s Aegir Project originally consisted of 200 turbine generators in a 100-square mile area of Lake Michigan between Silver Lake State Park and Ludington. After Pentwater voted to reject the proposal, Scandia split the project in half, moving half of the project to the near shore of Grand Haven and Muskegon.
Mr. Hoenle urged the counties affected by the southern half of the Aegir Project to follow Mason County’s lead. “The Mason County Commissioners carefully studied the issue, listened to their constituents, and concluded that this idea just didn’t make sense.”
About Lake Michigan P.OW.E.R. Coalition
Lake Michigan P.O.W.E.R. Coalition is nonprofit organization committed to stopping irresponsible power plant development in Lake Michigan. The coalition represents a cross section of year-round and summer residents, local business owners, and long-time visitors. P.O.W.E.R. stands for Protect Our Water, Economy and Resources.
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