News Release For Immediate Use:
Contact: press@protectwithpower.org
Oceana County Planning Commisssion Adopts Resolution Rejecting Scandia Proposal
August 6, 2010 – Following a public meeting Wednesday night, the Oceana Planning Commission yesterday adopted a resolution to not endorse Scandia Offshore Wind’s proposal by a vote of 7-2.
The Lake Michigan P.O.W.E.R. Coalition (LMPC) participated in Wednesday’s public meeting along with Scandia, again reiterating the risks associated with moving forward with Scandia’s proposal. LMPC continues to support responsible offshore wind energy in Michigan, but does not support Scandia’s proposal based on several factors including distance from shore, lack of company experience and pushing forward before Michigan’s regulatory process has been created.
“We are pleased with the Oceana Planning Commission’s recommendation to reject Scandia’s proposal,” said a Lake Michigan P.O.W.E.R. Coalition spokesperson. “We urge the Oceana Board of Commissioners to put the Planning Commission’s recommendation into action by rejecting Scandia’s proposal. Combined with the action taken in Mason County in June, we feel this sends a clear message to Scandia officials – this community is not interested in their proposal.”
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. Updated proposals from the foreign company have split the project in half, moving part of the project to the near shore of Grand Haven and Muskegon. After Mason County rejected Scandia’s proposal on June 8, Scandia condensed plans for the northern half of its project to Oceana County.
During the meeting, Larry Byl, Oceana Planning Commissioner and County Board Commissioner noted that in Oceana County, Lake Michigan usage is almost solely recreational and building an offshore wind power plant would be detrimental to that.
The Oceana County Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on the planning commission’s recommendation of the Scandia proposal on Thursday, August 12 in its regularly scheduled meeting.
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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