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For Palisades nuclear plant, there will be a future

Nuclear plant in southwest Michigan will power 17% of the homes in the state

… Palisades is a great first step in expanding energy sources that Michigan residents can rely on at all times, not just when the sun shines and the wind blows,” said Jason Hayes, director of energy and environmental policy. “The loan from the federal government is an attempt to right a wrong that was … more

Michigan climate policies only help utility giants

What’s progressive about green laws that let corporate behemoths pick the pockets of working Michiganders?

… stop the construction of new wind and solar facilities. Who … Federal policy also makes wind turbines and solar arrays lucrative … at taxpayer expense, paying “wind projects $26 for each MWh of … get guaranteed profits from wind turbines and solar arrays as … described the problems caused by wind and solar mandates and subsidies. … more

Degrowth and decarbonization will harm people

Michigan is caught up in an energy transition frenzy, and 10 million people stand to differ

… decarbonization. This entails a move from the reliable and affordable energy we obtain from fossil fuels to intermittent forms of energy, such as wind and solar. Michiganders are told we must transition our transportation sector from reliable and safe internal combustion engine vehicles to more expensive … more

Nessel says her energy advocacy saved $3B in 2023

Attorney General neglects to mention her push to shut down the Line 5 pipeline

… by National Review. If Whitmer gets her wish to transition the state to wind and solar, Hayes said, Michiganders will pay an additional $206 billion … supported the move away from natural gas and nuclear in favor of solar and wind power. One high-profile effort is her work to shut down Line 5, a pipeline … more

Michigan’s renewable energy report card

Even by the most optimistic green-energy standards, our state doesn’t make the grade

… renewable energy—mostly solar, wind, and geothermal. That sounds … Michigan, renewables — mostly wind and biomass — supplied a mere … geothermal, solar, hydro, biomass and wind. How does Michigan measure … passed net-zero energy bill. Wind: Grade: D How do you minimize … unreliable energy source like wind? You place your wind turbines … more

EPA: Wind, solar are intermittent, but electric buses can help

Power the electric grid with this one weird trick

… accompany the transition to wind and solar energy. Last year, … renewable energy, such as solar and wind, by 2040. Energy regulators … energy is intermittent—the wind blows and the sun shines, but … will be powered by the same wind and solar. One cannot feed … intermittent. “What happens when wind and solar fails and they need … more

Board approves language for ballot effort restoring local control of solar siting

Appointees of the governor can override local will, per Public Act 233 of 2023

… control in the zoning of large wind and solar projects took a step … regulate the development of solar, wind, or energy storage facilities … the governor, final say in wind and solar zoning decisions. … to restore local control of wind, solar zoning Under the law … if local officials reject a wind farm, and appointees of the … more

Hawaii offers a case study on the inadequacies of wind and solar

Rolling blackouts could prove deadly in Michigan winters

… rely on more weather-dependent wind and solar, which means that … them with non-dispatchable wind and solar, their ability to … online. Energy generation from wind facilities “started to fall … backup for reliably unreliable wind and solar. But with that type … coincides with a lull in the wind or sun can easily bring on … more

The simple truth that Michigan’s population council can’t tell

Want to make Michigan competitive? Let people keep their money and send less of it to Lansing

… Whitmer has embraced is neither clean nor affordable. It’s a boost to the wind and solar industries. Yet by 2040 Michigan utilities will run on solar arrays and wind turbines, as if this is not a cloudy and often cold state. Michigan’s reliability … more

Whitmer climate plan views locals as barrier to progress

In 2024, appointees of the governor will have final say over large-scale wind and solar projects, not local officials

… Sometimes they reject large-scale wind and solar projects. “Streamlines … siting process for large-scale wind, solar, and storage projects” … approve large-scale solar and wind projects. If a local community … Michigan are now covered by wind and solar. But to reach Whitmer’s … would need to be covered by wind and solar. The only way to … more

Ballot effort seeks to repeal Lansing control of solar, wind siting

Citizens for Local Choice seeks a spot on the November 2024 ballot

… Lansing bureaucrats the power to approve large-scale wind and solar developments throughout the state. Citizens … of the governor — to have final say on siting of wind and solar infrastructure. This moves decision-making … Michigan’s land would need to be covered by solar or wind projects to meet Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s climate-related … more

EV mandates, energy transition threaten grid, regulator warns

Decline of ‘resource adequacy’ in Michigan will cause shortfalls starting in 2028

… System Operator, will face shortfalls before 2030, even if all the expected wind and solar resources expected come online. “Beginning in 2028, MISO is projected … many coal and nuclear facilities will be retired through 2033, while more wind and solar infrastructure is expected to be built. “The 2023 (assessment) … more

Growing Michigan Together Council omits energy transition

If Michigan’s energy transition is the path to prosperity, why doesn’t Whitmer’s advisory board say so?

… of their ability to zone out large wind and solar projects.  A year and a … when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow. Using wind and solar to serve as the primary, … the money spent on solar panels and wind turbines could have been used to bury … more

Public Service Commission ruling on the Line 5 Tunnel is a small pre-holiday win for Michiganders

One bit of good news to balance the glut of Grinch-like energy news coming out of Lansing

… big win for people across Michigan as we are forced to look to Santa, prayer, or the Spirit of Christmas Present to bring us the weather we need if a wind/solar-reliant electric grid is to heat and warm our homes. A backup generator under the Christmas tree would be the right gift to protect Michigan … more

Whitmer signs clean energy package; it will cost you

By 2040, Michigan utilities will be forced to run mostly on solar panels and wind turbines

… so-called clean energy, mostly wind and solar, by 2040. And appointees … say on large-scale solar and wind projects. “Estimates show … sometimes reject big solar and wind developments. Without allowing … Michigan are now covered by wind and solar infrastructure, Scripps … would be needed for solar and wind projects. Michigan’s energy … more

In Michigan, central planning is not the path to freedom

If you disagree with elected officials, there is a process for that. Not so much for bureaucrats.

… who wants to place solar arrays and wind turbines on his land? What about his … of siting for large-scale solar and wind projects away from local officials, … The siting of large-scale solar and wind projects in Michigan is less about … to lease his or her land for solar wind, this process affords them a way to … more

Is democracy too messy in Michigan?

While voters speak up in Oakland and Mecosta County, Lansing lawmakers dismantle local control

… decide the siting of large-scale wind and solar projects in Michigan, … approve or deny large solar or wind developments. The Senate committee’s … restrictions in optimal areas for wind.” Before Scripps, Rep. Ranjeev … there would be more solar and wind projects in Michigan if it … asked Puri how many solar and wind developments existed in his … more

Scripps: One-half percent of Michigan’s land needed for wind, solar projects

Land devoted to wind and solar would go from 17,000 acres to 209,000 under state zoning plan

… final say in siting large solar and wind projects in Michigan has advanced to … Michigan’s acreage could be permitted for wind and solar projects. The Senate Energy … reject large-scale solar fields and wind turbines. Under the bills, as amended … acres in Michigan were now covered by wind and solar infrastructure, Scripps said. … more

Michigan House takes solar, wind siting power from local communities, gives to governor

The Michigan Public Service Commission is appointed by the governor

… communities of the power to accept or deny large-scale wind and solar projects, giving that power to appointees … and depend too much on fluctuating, unreliable wind and solar energy — and let Gov. Whitmer’s administration ignore local decisions and force wind and solar farms in rural Michigan communities to … more

Michigan House, Senate pass 100% clean energy bill

‘Reliability and affordability is going to explode,’ one lawmaker warns

… create an energy generation problem on top of it, as wind and solar power are not reliable in the way coal … and depend too much on fluctuating, unreliable wind and solar energy — and let Gov. Whitmer’s administration ignore local decisions and force wind and solar farms in rural Michigan communities to … more

McMorrow admits EV transition is government-driven

Senator says EV transition is good business, but admits the driver is government regulation

… MichiganWorks-style office for autoworkers, construction workers, and energy workers displaced by the transition to electric vehicles, solar power and wind power. Senate Bill 519 passed 20-18 on a party-line vote. Supporters of the bill argue that the electric vehicle transition is market-driven. Critics … more

Lansing takes step toward control of wind, solar zoning

Appointees of the governor, not local officials, would have the final say on large wind and solar projects in Michigan

… a package of bills that would remove local control over industrial-scale wind and solar developments in the state. The legislation will give zoning control … Wildlife Service recommends a five-mile setback from Great Lakes shorelines for wind turbines, as a way to protect migratory birds. This was not addressed in … more

Whitmer’s support for local control may give way to push for solar and wind power

Local zoning decisions stand in the way of state directives

… House bills, HB 5120-5123, would preempt local governments, which have used zoning ordinances to have a say over whether or where industrial-scale wind or solar power developments go up. Local governments and others could present their views at MPSC meetings if these bills become law, but state regulators … more

So you want to move to Michigan? Here’s the reality

$20M marketing blitz won’t mask Michigan’s problems, but an engaged public can help

… overriding local decision-makers or removing them from the process. Should your private school administer medical marijuana? Should a farmer be able to put wind turbines and solar panels on their property? Under current leadership, the belief is that those decisions should be made in Lansing, not locally. … more

Municipal groups urge local control as Lansing eyes statewide wind, solar permitting

Michigan Public Service Commission, not local communities, would be the permitting authority for wind, solar projects

… control zoning decisions that affect industrial wind and solar projects. The issue erupted Oct. 11 … control over local zoning decisions about solar and wind projects. Several local government groups oppose … officials, will have authority over permits for wind and solar projects. MPSC chair Dan Scripps testified … more

Whitmer abuse of emergency powers is déjà vu all over again

Governor plays fast and loose with executive authority, again

Strong winds and heavy rain, accompanied by half a dozen tornados, damaged areas of Michigan about three weeks ago. Hundreds of thousands of people lost power for days, but fortunately, casualties were minimal. In response, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for some areas of the state. … more

Michigan clean energy bill has been through 8 drafts, but none are public

Bill submitted in April headed toward 9th revision, but original bill is all the public can see

… from the sun or from thermal inertia of the earth and minimizes the output of toxic material in the conversion of the energy,” the bill continues. Wind and solar count as renewable. But not nuclear. Not until 2035. As far as the public knows.  Another draft of Senate Bill 271 could be done “by the … more

Michigan’s nuclear caucus urges reliable energy transition

Roughly 20% of Michigan lawmakers are making the case for nuclear energy to their colleagues

… powers her colleagues’ fixation on wind and solar and their relative disinterest … “People who back the Dems are funded by wind and solar,” Filler added.“And philosophically, … for Michigan. But the marketing used wind turbines. And she never mentioned nuclear. … in 18 months. “The use of solar, wind, biomass, and other green technologies … more

How California learned to stop worrying and embrace fossil fuels

If sunny California can’t run on solar panels, why would anyone think cloudy Michigan can?

… jumps headlong into so-called clean energy, led by wind turbines and solar panels, our leaders should take … of clean energy, they include nuclear along with wind and solar. This time, Whitmer did not, and the … seriousness of the matter: If Michigan has to run on wind turbines and solar panels, it won’t run. There … more

Whitmer touts 100% clean energy standard, doesn’t mention nuclear

Governor’s plan to push solar and wind could be elevated to state law this fall

… standard for Michigan,” Whitmer said, standing before a message board with two large windmills on it. “This means all the energy we produce will be from wind, solar or other common-sense energy sources.” Whitmer has supported nuclear energy in the past, but it was a notable omission from her speech. Whitmer … more

No, Michigan climate policy won’t improve the weather

Protecting the vulnerable means keeping their lights on

… energy to be supplied by sources like wind and solar by 2035. The bills would … unreliable and intermittent gusts of wind and errant solar beams. This is hardly … plants open and reduce the costs of the wind and solar plan by $90 billion to 2035 … blackout events predicted under the wind and solar scenario. If the goal of … more

Freeway floods, power outages show Michigan failing at what matters

Pride precedes fall as weather event shuts down boastful state

… work with little notice. It’s true that this was no thimbleful of rain. Winds were high. Rain was intense. Damages were massive. At least five people … were the answer, we’d know it by now. The trees aren’t going away until the wind blows them away. So the power lines must go underground. This will cost … more

Clean energy isn’t clean

Wind turbines and solar panels don’t grow on trees

Wind and solar energy do not generate much electricity, but … now fairly well known that wind and solar can pose serious … disposing of solar panels and wind turbines. It takes a great … to produce solar panels and wind turbines. Wind and solar energy technologies … more

In southeast Michigan, a little rain, then 180,000 power outages

It took just 1.13 inches of rain to knock out power in the DTE imprint

It didn’t take extreme wind speeds, ice, or thundersnow to knock out power for 180,000 homes and businesses in Southeast Michigan this week. Just a little bit of rain. Just 1.13 inches. Nothing close to the historic high for a July 26 in Detroit, which was 2.17 inches in 1878. Just a little bit of rain. … more

Solar panels have a carbon emissions problem

It takes them much longer than reported to become carbon neutral

… operate on 100% renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, by 2035. The bill is currently in the … Jerry Norcia that “sometimes you can’t count on” wind and solar, the energy monopoly announced this month … obvious recognition from the governor’s office that wind and solar are wholly dependent on the weather,” … more

DTE chooses politics over energy reliability

Michigan’s largest utility is suffering from cognitive dissonance: Its CEO warns of a premature energy transition, as company runs headlong into it

… attempt to replace it with wind and solar, as well as a few … energy and build unreliable wind and solar. Chasing “net zero … claim they can build enough wind, solar, and energy storage … nameplate capacity of the planned wind and solar developments — DTE … build 2,480 MW of utility-owned wind and solar — appears similar … more

Michigan law likely doesn’t allow for income-based energy bills

DTE boss’s plan runs into a brick wall: state law

… bills Lower usage rates by low-income households Read more about Norcia’s plan here. Related reading: DTE boss warns ‘sometimes you can’t count on’ wind and solar But Norcia’s perfect world smacks up against reality. Michigan, for the most part, only allows customers to be charged for the energy they … more

‘Can’t count on it’: DTE boss says the quiet part out loud on wind and solar

Hayes: Relying on wind and solar would leave Michigan in the lurch

… American Experiment describes wind energy’s continued failures … electricity demand was highest, wind produced only 5.9 percent of … Orr. “This means MISO expected wind turbines to produce 5,171 MW … nuclear energy to unreliable wind and solar. But if the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t … more

DTE head: ‘Sometimes you can’t count on’ wind and solar

As energy giant moves away from coal, CEO emphasizes need for reliable nuclear and natural gas

DTE Energy CEO Jerry Norcia acknowledged the unreliable nature of wind and solar power Wednesday morning before a panel of Michigan lawmakers. He specifically … in Europe and California as examples of what not to do. “Now, solar and wind are fabulous resources,” Norcia told the House Energy Committee, “but sometimes … more

Michigan lawmakers neglect the dark side of solar

Low reliability and high subsidies challenge the claim that solar is sustainable

… to explain why. Renewable energy is only cheap because it is highly subsidized. Energy policies at both the federal and state level heavily favor wind and solar over fossil fuel and nuclear plants. The growth of solar has been powered by subsidies on the one hand and regulatory pressure on the other. … more

Senate bill package expands Michigan’s green energy giveaway

Senate Bills 302 and 303 would allow local governments to finance enviromental hazard projects on individual properties

… subsidized form of energy to further encourage its use is not a step Michigan should take. The Texas Public Policy Foundation published a report that noted wind and solar energy have received 17 and 75 times more subsidies than their fossil fuel and nuclear competitors over the last 10 years. This sort of … more

Michigan’s plan for energy transition: Leap before it looks

Energy transition fails to consider trade-offs, unreliability of renewable sources

… give themselves an out. In 2035, something will have to power Michigan’s homes and businesses. Inclusion of nuclear is as good as an admission that wind and solar are not that thing. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer does not approach nuclear energy with the ambivalence of Senate Bill 271; she has embraced it. … more

Report: ‘Net-zero’ Britain will struggle to keep the lights on

Across the pond, a utopian vision runs into reality, bringing a darker, colder new normal

… from robust to negligible energy sources. Like the U.K., Michigan goes beyond just trying to increase the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. The state is quickly retiring reliable energy sources like coal and nuclear, with no plan to make up that loss with energy generated from … more

Michiganders pay high rates for unreliable electric service

Michigan residents pay outsized rates for some of the least reliable electric service in the country.

… rushed closures of reliable fossil fuel generation facilities and mandating the construction of unreliable and expensive generation technologies like wind and solar. The bills will lead to Michigan being open to rapid rate increases and to make it more “vulnerable to cloudy, windless days.” This is unfortunate, … more

Michiganders want energy choice; Michigan can’t deliver it

Michigan’s Electric Choice program has more people waiting for it than using it

… after the storms, was energy choice. Opening the utilities to competition. Ending the monopolies. As DTE and Consumers continue to spend money on wind and solar, rather than fortify a grid served by reliable energy sources, why shouldn’t Michiganders be able to choose energy companies more committed … more

Want to sell control of your water heater to Consumers Energy?

Monopoly power utility offers Michigan customers small-time money for shutoff privileges

… avoid “having to impose larger blackouts or outages when reliably unreliable wind and solar inevitably fail.” Consumers countered that its primary goal is … law, are moving away from reliable sources such as clean nuclear energy to wind and solar, which are not reliable. Consumers has asked for rate hikes in … more

Michigan suffers from low income, high costs

State government policies have made things worse

… prohibitive increases. But electricity stands to get only more expensive, as Consumers and DTE continue a quest to ditch fossil fuels and move to wind and solar power What do higher electricity costs have to do with our elected officials? Michiganders pay higher rates than people elsewhere because … more

Wind industry declares war on Michigan man

‘Like a Cult’ producers sling mud for clean energy

Wind energy activists believe they have found an explanation for the waning popularity of wind projects in Michigan and around … who express concerns about wind energy projects in their townships. … support for landscape-altering wind turbine projects. Popular opposition to wind turbines in Michigan is part … more

DTE, Consumers’ peak-hour pricing plans have it all backward

Stanford study undermines utility peak-hour rate planning

… transitioning to so-called green energy sources like wind and solar. The state of Michigan, large utilities, … commitment to eliminate reliable energy sources despite wind and solar’s extreme land use, heavy impacts on … minerals, and metals that go into the construction of wind and solar actually make them “pure embodiments … more

DTE can’t tree trim its way to reliability

After ice storms and thundersnow cause mass outages, DTE must admit: Burying power lines underground is the answer

… the ice storm last week the previous week, or the wind storm last August — the utility giant blames our … their lives, then they hold their breath when the wind blows. If trimming trees were the answer, wouldn’t … of hands: Who’s still buying that? We’ve seen wind, rain and ice wreck the grid in recent years. The … more

Top Michigan Democrat blames DTE Energy for slow response to ice storm. Now what?

Will Rep. Abraham Aiyash’s criticism of Michigan energy giant translate into action?

… DTE and Consumers Energy’s recent rate hikes on residents. They also approved the companies’ plans to retire coal plants in favor of relying more on wind and solar energy. The Legislature is responsible for setting up the framework in which the utilities and their regulators operate, says Jason Hayes, … more

EU votes to “effectively” ban sales of gas vehicles after 2035

The same year Michigan will quit coal, the European Union will quit the internal combustion engine

… it will be a different world. By then Michigan will have retired its final coal plant and will be more reliant on renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. DTE Energy, supplier to 40% of Michigan homes and businesses, believes it will run on 51% renewables by 2036. Related reading: Coal plants … more

What electric vehicle proponents aren’t telling you

Electric cars have been presented as a cleaner, cheaper future, but there’s another side of the story

… Freedom of movement is another concern. Michigan’s electric grid is shaky in the best of times. Meanwhile, it is moving away from coal and toward more wind and solar. Add two million EVs to the system and it’s hard to see how this goes well. During a 2020 heat wave in California, EV users were asked to … more

Michigan’s coming energy crisis will be man-made

Michigan’s energy transition is a bait-and-switch move away from reliable energy

… on reliable energy, preferring instead weather-dependent sources such as wind and solar. Michigan’s coming energy crisis will be man-made. The resources of the future — said to be wind and solar — are not ready, while one of today’s energy sources, coal, is … more

Elon Musk, Ram admit: With green energy, there’s always a catch

Nuclear energy is needed to make wind and solar go, Musk says, while internal combustion engines provide the “range extender” for a Ram EV truck

Wind & solar, combined with batteries, will solve sustainable … parts of the solution.” So, wind and solar are the future, when … transition to technologies, such as wind and solar, that are not ready … to produce electricity via wind or the sun,” Hayes told CapCon. … them with reliably unreliable wind and solar. But intermittency … more

Michigan bill would ban TikTok on government phones

Bill shows a growing acknowledgement of the U.S. rivalry with China

… right-to-work law, which allows workers to keep their jobs even when they opt out of their unions. But the bill’s introduction is a signal of the political winds, which are blowing against China, America’s global adversary. In Washington, D.C., the U.S. House voted to create a committee on U.S.-China competition. … more

Starting in March, DTE will charge peak-hour rate

DTE says it will ‘smooth out peaks in demand’ by charging higher rates from 3 to 7 p.m. on weekdays

… use electricity.”  This change comes, Hayes notes, as DTE is transitioning away from reliable energy sources such as coal, and toward less-reliable wind and solar. “They close their reliable generation, and then they have to discourage people from using electricity, because they know the system that … more

Michigan bill demands 100% transition to green energy by 2035

Renewables only account for 11% of Michigan’s energy today, so how could they make up the rest by 2035?

… Jason Hayes, the Mackinac Center’s director of environmental policy, has warned that Michigan is not ready for an immediate or arbitrary transition to wind turbines and solar panels. A premature transition, he wrote in The Wall Street Journal, would leave Michigan vulnerable to “cloudy, windless days.” … more

Park Township joins list of Michigan towns banning short-term rentals

Ordinance enforcement will take effect Oct. 1, 2023, after 48 years on the books

… trampled on. That dialogue and this new ban from park township is evidence they want short-term rental owners to sell their property or twist in the wind as they deal with this new environment. The township does not care about our property rights.” Township officials did not respond to a request for … more

Whitmer requests federal aid to reopen Palisades nuclear plant, but Granholm says no

Palisades nuclear plant supplied 15% of Michigan’s clean energy

… that subsidies were the only reason he’d invest in wind turbines. Buffet explained: “They don’t make sense … the fact that there’s more to dropping prices for wind and solar than improved efficiency. The primary … solution would be to remove the subsidies propping up wind and solar and allow all energy sources to compete … more

Wind industry strikes against local zoning control in Michigan

After losing big in township votes, turbine companies seek state preemption of local rules

Wind energy businesses are targeting local zoning ordinances … throughout Montcalm County rejected wind energy supporters and ballot … allowing Apex’s commercial wind turbine project to go forward. … recalls and rejections of pro-wind initiatives in counties and … said no to 28 out of 28 local wind ordinances. In response, Apex … more

Michigan is a blue state now

In 2023, Democrats will control every aspect of state government

… bigger taxpayer subsidies for unproven green& energy projects. Expect the state to speed the transition to green energy, whether or not solar panels and wind turbines are up for the job. Expect more diversity, inclusion and equity training on school time, using taxpayer money. In 2023, Michigan will remember … more

Michigan bill would force prevailing wage on private businesses

Not even Michigan’s old prevailing wage law, which was repealed in 2018, applied to private business

… and decreased competition,” Delie told CapCon. “As we unwisely transition away from reliable energy, this bill would further increase the costs of wind and solar projects, without any accompanying benefit.” The Department of Management and Budget, at the behest of Whitmer, re-implemented the state’s … more

Rashida Tlaib’s ‘net-zero’ energy fantasy is dangerous

Winter is coming; will your energy sources be reliable and ready?

… state and country. On that matter Dimon is absolutely correct.” Per the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the grid operator for the Midwest, wind (10%), solar (2.5%) and “other” (1.5%) account for only 14% of regional energy generation. The remaining 86% comes from coal (38%), natural gas (32%) … more

No, putting power lines underground is not the answer in Michigan

One trade group found that undergrounding is too costly in hurricane zones, let alone Michigan

The wind blows in Michigan. It knocks trees down, and the trees knock down power lines. A frequently asked question, after tree-related power outages is: Why not bury the power lines? The Michigan Public Service Commission touched on the question in its Sept. 8 feedback to utility companies’ distribution … more

Whitmer affirms that nuclear energy is clean energy

In a letter to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Whitmer describes Palisades nuclear plant as good business and good for the environment

… Michigan has a quickly growing supply of solar panels and more than 1,500 wind turbines. Yet combined, they still can’t produce as much electricity as the Palisades plant alone. There is no economically viable path to ramp up wind or solar production to replace the lost power, much less meet the state’s … more

California’s energy struggles could be Michigan's future

Wanting an energy transition is one thing; enacting it before you’re ready is quite another.

… recently had its energy struggles. At the peak of some very minor storms and winds, about 380,000 DTE Energy customers in Southeast Michigan were without power. … Michigan’s shaky energy grid can’t handle thimblefuls of rain, or the blowing wind, how will it be able to accommodate a future where many homes will have … more

EVs and solar panels have moral and environmental trade-offs, too

Slave labor and dirty environmental practices make green energy far from clean

… selling their future to China by shutting down reliable fossil fuels for unreliable and expensive renewable energy such as solar panels and industrial wind facilities. High energy costs, to the environmentalist, are a worthy sacrifice for the sake of Mother Earth. Renewable energy is expensive. A forced … more

Consumers Energy touts electric vehicle progress, but plan is questionable

Ambitious plan to go carbon neutral is unrealistic

… Mackinac Center for Public Policy. “They are planning to power 90% of their customer’s electricity demand with renewable energy, which is primarily wind and solar, and a small amount of battery back-up. By 2040 they will only, according to their plans, provide 10% of their net capacity with natural … more

Palisades nuclear plant to be torn down, following trend in Michigan

When energy facilities are closed in Michigan, they tend to be torn down

… power plants.” The plant was shut down May 20, after running for 50 years. Michigan Capitol Confidential reported in 2017 that it would take 1,400 wind turbines to replace the energy generated by the Palisades plant. Back then the plant was scheduled to close in 2018. It survived another four years. … more

Michigan needs skeptical citizens, not good partisans

Demand more than red or blue ties from politicians — Demand a vision for a free future.

… engaged citizenship for petty partisanship. Don't try this at home. Partisans will say anything that benefits their team and hurts the other team. If wind-up dolls ever come with a string long enough that it can be yanked off-camera, their TV bookings will dry up overnight. Partisans are predictable … more

When it comes to high gas prices, the pain is the point

The Biden administration is honest about its desire to move to green energy

… Secretary Jennifer Granholm said the high prices showed “exactly why we should be, as a globe, focusing on getting our resources from the sun, from the wind, from the technology that we’ve developed in electric vehicles, etcetera.” “Families who own [an electric] vehicle will never have to worry about … more

Electricity System Operator Predicts Energy Shortage This Summer

Controlled blackouts are possible, officials warn

… electric utilities to shift away from coal and nuclear power toward solar and wind could result in electricity supply shortages and blackouts this summer, … the Campbell facility with natural gas, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, and battery backup. California and Texas produce more electricity … more

Whitmer’s Support Of Nuclear Power Shows How Renewable Energy Has Fallen Short

Asking feds to help keep Palisades nuclear plant’s reactor in service

… is seeing firsthand the a risk of focusing so much on renewable energy. Wind power was the top source of electricity there, at 22.6% of the total grid load, according to Wind Power Monthly. The New York Times published an April 5 story, describing … more

Wind Energy Developer Compares Opponents To Hitler And The Holocaust

… that works with a national wind farm developer. Recently, he … state residents trying to halt wind farm developments in their … Coalition has worked to halt wind farm developments promoted … for a group called Montcalm Wind, which is working with Apex … official approval for a proposed wind farm in Montcalm County. Montcalm … more

Midwest Threatened With Power Outages When Weather Turns Cold

… electricity demanded within MISO’s region, with wind and solar producing less than 4%. Because wind and solar are not reliable sources of energy, there … coal, natural gas and nuclear power, and 12% for wind and solar. more

Consumers Energy Admits More Renewables Risk Higher Rates, Pushing Ahead Anyway

Michigan will increasingly rely on electricity produced elsewhere

… power sources, including solar and wind. Consumers Energy admits that its … the intermittent nature of solar and wind. This could cause utilities here to … who said at a state hearing that if wind and solar produce more energy than … customers. “If, however, solar and wind resources are not able to dispatch … more

Consumers Energy Analyst: Renewables Plan Could Mean Significant Periods With No Power

Potential rolling blackouts and involuntary rationing are among the solutions

… Resource Plan, Consumers Energy would replace most electricity generated by coal, gas and nuclear plants with intermittent renewable sources, including wind and solar. Walz stated: “The results of the electric supply reliability studies show that dependence on so many intermittent sources of generation … more

Consumers Energy Has A Solar And Wind Electricity Plan

… such as market prices, energy demand and levels of clean energy resources (wind, solar, batteries and energy waste reduction).” Hayes questions the value … money spent on solar collectors and new transmission lines for them and for wind turbines are a “significant driver of the requested relief” – the rate increases, … more

Granholm Brings Michigan’s Failed Green Energy Subsidies To Washington

Former governor, now U.S. energy secretary, visits state promoting same plan as if it worked

… later, so no long-term jobs created. Astraeus Wind manufactured wind turbine blades and received $6 million from the … the company filed for bankruptcy in 2012. Global Wind Systems was touted by Granholm in 2008 press releases. … more

Agencies Use Questionable Legal Reviews To Inflate Charges For Open Record Law Requests

Almost half of one $12,000 charge went to attorneys

… In 2019, the Mackinac Center submitted a FOIA request to Tuscola County, asking for all documents related to county employees and officials and a wind energy company. Tuscola County responded with a $3,224 fee, of which $2,836 was related to having an attorney involved in reviewing documents. more

Whitmer’s Renewables Order Would Cover Whole Regions In Turbines And Solar Arrays

… Michigan would need to rely on intermittent solar and wind power. Supplying 100% of Michigan’s power grid … Replacing fossil fuels and nuclear energy with wind turbines would require enough turbines to cover … suburbs, or about 920 square miles. Energy from the wind and solar facilities envisioned above would be … more

Michigan Company, Lauded As A Face Of Green Energy in 2012, Now Defunct

… Department’s State Energy Program to produce utility-scale wind turbines. “Because of federal investments, renewable … press. Energetx Composites produced utility-scale wind turbines and was named as a Center for Energy Excellence … have the potential to revolutionize the way that wind turbine blades are manufactured, helping position … more

Granholm Wind Scheme Lauded At First, But Then Fell Into Obscurity When It Failed

… scheme to build a $2.2 million wind power project in Manistee County. … Michigan company, Mas-Tech Wind, to build “residential windmills.” … the 380-foot tall industrial wind turbines that have since sprung … Mariah Power had donated a wind turbine to be installed on … “Learning to soar with the wind” was the headline of one such … more

Studies Can’t Prove Lockdowns Didn’t Work - Or That They Did

Did the costs outweigh the benefits?

As government-imposed pandemic lockdowns begin to wind down, policymakers, analysts and citizens turn their attention to the question of how well states and political leaders balanced their costs and benefits. This topic was the focus of a virtual event, “Are Lockdowns Effective? How to Measure the … more

Wind, Solar Firms Picked For Granholm’s Governor Mansion Soon Went Broke

Detroit Free Press reported the installation meant she’s not kidding on renewables

… Michigan should be the renewable energy capital of the nation, she’s not kidding,” the article stated. “To prove her point, Granholm had a Michigan-made wind turbine installed at the official residence in Lansing, and it started producing energy last week.” The 1.2 kilowatt-per-hour turbine was made in … more

Former Gov. Granholm’s Clean Energy Promises Go National

New secretary of energy’s Michigan schemes were announced with fanfare but failed in silence

… subsidies for a firm called Global Wind Systems were one example. State … company would build a $32 million wind turbine assembly plant in Novi, … building the new facility. Global Wind Systems was awarded a $7.3 … Times was still touting Global Wind Systems as a jobs creator for its business of building wind turbines. There was just one … more

State Agencies And Local Governments Get Creative Dodging Open Records Requests

‘Freedom Of Information' law? ... Make Sure You Bring A Lawyer And Checkbook

… of government as a condition of gaining access to public records. In 2019, the Mackinac Center requested documents from Tuscola County related to wind turbine developers and projects. The county refused to release the information unless it received a payment of $3,224. Officials claimed the county … more

Gas, Coal, Nukes Supply 88% Of The Power Keeping Michigan's Lights And Furnace Fans On

… for October 2020 and was published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Hydroelectric power provided 1.3%, and intermittent renewables (wind and solar) provided 10.6% of the state’s net electricity generation. The Energy Information Administration defines net electricity generation as "The … more

Texas Energy Crisis a Warning for Michigan

New generation facilities should be reliable

… multiple generation sources: wind, solar, nuclear, coal and natural … reliable energy sources. Even wind energy defenders are publicly claiming that wind generation is “reliably unreliable,” … at ERCOT didn’t even expect wind to be operating during the cold temperatures. Wind energy was every bit as reliably … more

Restaurant And Bar Tent Adds Three Walls Too Many For Health Department Officials

Costs the establishment its liquor licence

… told restaurant managers that it must remove the roof of the tent and one of the walls. The restaurant was allowed to keep two of the tent walls as wind breakers. The restaurant agreed to make the changes but never followed through, according to the state of Michigan. The Plymouth Police Department … more

Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm Oversaw Parade Of Failed Green Energy Boondoggles

Would-be energy secretary’s record not promising

… reconfigured the credits. A different commercial activity is now taking place on the property. Energetx: The governor predicted 1,000 jobs for the wind turbine maker during a State of the State address, though news reports put the number at 700 when it was set to break ground in 2010, free from state … more

Planet of the Humans

New Jeff Gibbs/Michael Moore documentary targets green energy

… lays out the resource requirements of wind and solar, he details the economic … peeling away Vermont’s mountain tops for wind and bulldozing and shredding 500 year … of metals and minerals entails that wind, solar, and biomass energy lead to … he stands back to film a spinning wind turbine and asks, “Is it possible for … more

Is Erecting Wind Turbines ‘Essential’ During Epidemic Lockdown?

Union suggests company at work now with out-of-state workers

… company erecting industrial wind turbines is at work here. … monopolies are planning to use wind turbines and solar collectors … towers in the works. In 2019, wind provided 4.7% of the state’s … breakdown specifically how much wind facilities contribute to state … does not separate industrial wind facilities from other industries … more

Stimulus Amendments Push More Renewable Subsidies

Solar and wind set to profit handsomely from COVID-19 response

… provisions that would allow solar and wind developers to “monetize time-sensitive … electricity at about half the cost of new wind and solar energy technologies. Certainly wind, solar and large-scale battery storage … utilities looking to build larger wind and solar installations) would be turning … more

How Tax Policy Gets Poked Full of Holes

States should lower rates across the board instead of giving targeted exceptions

… the costs of making this divergence is distributed among all taxpayers and across the budget. When it provides relatively small effects, the costs wind up being a blip on the annual increases in revenue that get budgeted each year. Recipients of tax revenue, one might think, would be opposed to so … more

Residents Question Replacing Michigan Farmland With Miles Of Solar Cells

Hundreds of wind turbines also changing character of rural communities

… cells. It would join a growing number of industrial wind turbines — already more than 1,100, according to … Taylor said he believes very few of the large-scale wind and solar renewable energy projects would be developed … (Ultimately, it was not developed). A decade ago, a giant wind turbine farm was proposed, but local voters rejected … more

Open Records Law Request? See What The Lawyers Say (You Pay)

Tuscola County raises stakes for obtaining public records

… of Information Act could be diminished. The Mackinac Center sent its request to Tuscola County last October, seeking records from 2019 related to a wind turbine tower development by NextEra Energy Resources. Thomas Bardwell, the chairman of the Tuscola County Board of Commissioners, did not respond … more

CapCon’s Top 10 Stories For 2019

Road Fix That Wasn’t, Gun-Free Zones, 1,100 Windmills Won’t Replace This Coal Plant

… Headline: Doubling State’s 1,100 Wind Turbines Won’t Replace This … have to double the number of wind turbines currently operating … vendors operate 1,107 industrial wind turbines in Michigan. These … electricity, but only when the wind is blowing. Compare that to … 1,946.3 megawatts regardless of wind or weather. more

DTE’s Renewable Energy Plan Won’t Satisfy Green Groups

Another critic says the plan calls for ‘more expensive, less reliable energy’

… propose massive investments in wind and solar energy production … costs for building solar and wind-energy facilities have declined … Some analyses do find that wind and solar cost sources are … typically ignore the fact that wind and solar also require huge … from, for example, a remote wind farm to those who will use … more