THE WIND-REVENUES LINK

Manufacturers think state will diversify sources
Trent Johnson, September 20, 2010 (Traverse City Record-Eagle)

"Some Michigan businesses and organizations are banking on the state becoming more heavily reliant on wind energy to reduce energy costs."

"The Michigan Manufacturers Association in April launched a program — Wind Energy Community — to help push along the concept, said Chuck Hadden, the lobbying group's president…[He] cited some benefits of wind energy: It won't dirty the air or emit pollutants like other energy sources, which means less smog, less acid rain and fewer greenhouse gas emissions; wind energy is cost-competitive with other fuel sources such as natural gas, and it's the least expensive of all renewable energy sources."

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"Turbines convert wind's kinetic energy into mechanical or electrical power. Modern commercial turbines produce electricity by using rotational energy to drive a generator. Smaller wind turbines can provide power to individual homes…Wind energy can provide low cost and clean energy quicker due to low operating costs and short construction times, Hadden said."

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"Drawbacks for some may include location of turbines near residences and the impact they may have on animals…[ Norm Saari, chief of staff for state Sen. Jason Allen (R)] believes wind energy is an important component of the state's energy mix…[He] said the utilities will provide an incentive for marketers because wind projects keep more energy dollars in communities where projects are located and provide income through lease payments to the landowners…Wind projects also pay property taxes and state taxes and create local jobs, he said.

"Wind energy production is scattered throughout Michigan, mainly in the Lower Peninsula, including the Thumb and Traverse City area…"