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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 … guaranteed profits from wind turbines and solar arrays as well … described the problems caused by wind and solar mandates and subsidies. … 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 … like wind? You place your wind turbines in America’s “Wind Belt” … 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 … “fuel-flexible” simple-cycle combustion turbines. “The new units will use … 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
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, … money spent on solar panels and wind turbines could have been used to bury power … 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.
… wants to place solar arrays and wind turbines on his land? What about his freedom? … 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
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 by … acres in Michigan were now covered by wind and solar infrastructure, Scripps said. … 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
… would remove local control over industrial-scale wind and solar developments in the state. The legislation … five-mile setback from Great Lakes shorelines for wind turbines, as a way to protect migratory birds. This … Democratic-sponsored bills. They cited the effects of turbines on farmland, livestock and nearby residents. … 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
… 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.
We have … 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, … 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?
… headlong into so-called clean energy, led by wind turbines and solar panels, our leaders should take heed … 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 is no … 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 … disposing of solar panels and wind turbines.
It takes a great deal … produce solar panels and wind turbines. Wind and solar energy … 100-megawatt natural gas-fired turbine about as large as a residential … with wind requires 20 wind turbines that occupy around 10 square … more
Solar panels have a carbon emissions problem
It takes them much longer than reported to become carbon neutral
… renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, by 2035. The bill is currently … that “sometimes you can’t count on” wind and solar, the energy monopoly announced … recognition from the governor’s office that wind and solar are wholly dependent on the … time on cloudy, windless days when turbines and solar panels produce nothing. … 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 … 40%, which means that wind turbines produce 60% below than … capacity goes unused.
The wind turbines and solar panels being … 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 … “This means MISO expected wind turbines to produce 5,171 MW of … nuclear energy to unreliable wind and solar. But if the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t … 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 … homeowners whose objection to turbines is, according to a new video … for landscape-altering wind turbine projects. Popular opposition to wind turbines in Michigan is part of … from an industrial-scale wind turbine project. He signed a wind … 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?
… 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.”
Rabhi’s … more
Whitmer requests federal aid to reopen Palisades nuclear plant, but Granholm says no
Palisades nuclear plant supplied 15% of Michigan’s clean energy
… subsidies were the only reason he’d invest in wind turbines. Buffet explained: “They don’t make sense without … 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 … Michigan with large vertical turbines lost four referenda and seven … allowing Apex’s commercial wind turbine project to go forward. … the stalled visions of wind turbine interests. French assured … Michiganders do not want wind turbines in their backyards, basically.” … more
Michigan is a blue state now
In 2023, Democrats will control every aspect of state government
… 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
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
Palisades nuclear plant to be torn down, following trend in Michigan
When energy facilities are closed in Michigan, they tend to be torn down
… 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.
Entergy … 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 … Energy is pressing to place wind turbine developments in Ingham … 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 … 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 state … the company filed for bankruptcy in 2012.
Global Wind Systems was touted by Granholm in 2008 press releases. … more
Whitmer’s Renewables Order Would Cover Whole Regions In Turbines And Solar Arrays
… to rely on intermittent solar and wind power.
Supplying 100% of Michigan’s … fuels and nuclear energy with wind turbines would require enough turbines to cover the equivalent of the entire … 920 square miles.
Energy from the wind and solar facilities envisioned above … more
Michigan Company, Lauded As A Face Of Green Energy in 2012, Now Defunct
… State Energy Program to produce utility-scale wind turbines.
“Because of federal investments, renewable …
Energetx Composites produced utility-scale wind turbines and was named as a Center for Energy Excellence … the potential to revolutionize the way that wind turbine blades are manufactured, helping position Michigan … 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.” These turbines are much smaller than the 380-foot tall industrial wind turbines that have since sprung … Mariah Power had donated a wind turbine to be installed on 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
… 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 Manistee by Mariah Power.
The 2009 article also reported that … 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 … 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 catch: … more
State Agencies And Local Governments Get Creative Dodging Open Records Requests
‘Freedom Of Information' law? ... Make Sure You Bring A Lawyer And Checkbook
… 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 had … 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 and … 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 … stands back to film a spinning wind turbine and asks, “Is it possible for machines … 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.
Local … monopolies are planning to use wind turbines and solar collectors to … generated by hundreds of turbine towers that are now operating … towers in the works.
In 2019, wind provided 4.7% of the state’s … breakdown specifically how much wind facilities contribute to state … more
Residents Question Replacing Michigan Farmland With Miles Of Solar Cells
Hundreds of wind turbines also changing character of rural communities
… would join a growing number of industrial wind turbines — already more than 1,100, according to the …
Taylor said he believes very few of the large-scale wind and solar renewable energy projects would be developed … 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
… 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 to … 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
… Doubling State’s 1,100 Wind Turbines Won’t Replace This One … to double the number of wind turbines currently operating in … is that those additional turbines only spin about one-third … operate 1,107 industrial wind turbines in Michigan. These can … electricity, but only when the wind is blowing.
Compare that to … more
Michigan’s Not Good For Wind Power, So Consumers Energy Customers Will Pay More
Under 2016 state regulation rewrite, electric utility monopoly makes money either way
… Energy to buy an industrial wind farm development in Hillsdale … December 2020.
The Crescent Wind Project is said to have a levelized … costs for the proposed 63 turbine towers to be $57.75 per megawatt … electricity generated by wind turbines because the wind isn’t … generate electricity through wind turbines. This is due to a 2016 … more
Conflict Of Interest: Officials With Turbine Tower Leases Approve Wind Development
‘First you harvest the (local) officials, then you can harvest the wind’
An industrial wind facility is set to launch in Hillsdale County … construction and operation of wind turbine towers and related facilities.
Opponents of the Crescent Wind Energy Center, organized as … of members who had signed turbine tower lease contracts with the wind development company or had … more
A Global Climate Strike Isn't Enough
Personal responsibility will do more for the climate than striking
… up as replacements for fossil fuels — typically wind and solar — couldn’t even exist without fossil … Without steel, there are no towers to hold up wind turbines. Without rare earths, there are no solar panels. Adding to this conundrum is the fact that wind and solar cannot provide reliable power. They are … more
Doubling State’s 1,100 Wind Turbines Won’t Replace This One Coal/Gas Plant
Michigan’s electric utilities gamble that the reliability of service won’t collapse
… to double the number of wind turbines currently operating in … is that those additional turbines only spin about one-third … operate 1,107 industrial wind turbines in Michigan. These can … electricity, but only when the wind is blowing.
Compare that to … blows intermittently, wind turbines in Michigan have a 36% … more
Power Outages? Utility Renewables Schemes May Mean ‘Get Used To It’
Michigan’s big utilities also plan for you to just have less to use
… sources, including more industrial wind turbines. The company will also import … highlights the weather-dependent nature of wind and solar generators, which are far … technologies. It’s not a slight against wind and solar to say that; it’s just a … the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow.”
As a result, … more
Comparing the Newest Wind Energy Facility in Michigan with the Rest of the US
Pine River Wind Park only produces electricity 36% of the time
… company that the Pine River wind facility is the most cost-effective wind project in the state, it does … electricity at the Pine River Wind Park in Gratiot and Isabella counties. This new industrial wind generation facility is billed …
Pine River currently has 65 turbines that, together, have a theoretical … more
Coal And Nuclear Out At Consumers, Wind And Solar In
Intermittent sources make electric outages more likely? ‘Get used to it’
… replace that capacity with wind turbines and solar arrays. It also … installing enough industrial wind turbines to generate 550 megawatts … installed capacity. By comparison, wind and solar provided just 5% … would take 38,500 acres of wind turbines to produce the company’s … with solar panels and wind turbines to fulfill the plan laid … more
Communities Again Say ‘No’ To Industrial Wind Farm Developers
But state’s big utilities look to install hundreds of turbine towers
… issues related to industrial wind farms during the May 7 election, … looking to install dozens of wind turbines in the area.
Local resistance … around 450 new industrial wind turbines and towers in these counties … possibly a few elsewhere. Wind turbines of the type now being used … officials support adding turbines in their own jurisdictions, … more
Consultant: Green Jobs A ‘Lobbying Effort,’ Not Real Data
Activists claim 240,000 solar jobs, federal data indicates 3,295
… Midwest, with Michigan leading the way.
The announcement by Clean Energy Trust and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) featured lots of photos of wind turbines and solar arrays. It prompted headlines like one from Crain’s Detroit Business, which read, “Report: Michigan adds 4,800 clean energy jobs in 2018; … more
Sunny With a Chance of Apocalypse
Consumers Energy should produce affordable, reliable energy
… in an April Forbes.com column. He noted, “Between 2009 and 2017, the price of solar panels per watt declined by 75 percent while the price of wind turbines per watt declined by 50 percent.” Even so, “during the same period — the price of electricity in places that deployed significant quantities of … more
Numbers Are In: Fossil Fuels Kept Furnaces Running During Polar Vortex
Wind production fell 79 percent over three coldest days
… coming from solar arrays or wind turbines.
On Friday, Feb. 1, nearly … per hour).
Production from wind was down 79 percent (2,461 … generation from sources like wind turbines goes hand-in-hand with … a necessary backup when the wind doesn’t blow. As the polar … it dangerous to operate wind turbines. In Michigan, natural gas … more
Will Your Furnace Turn On When Utilities Abandon Gas And Coal?
Polar vortex exposes risk with all-renewables approach to energy
… an often-made criticism of wind and solar energy in that they … needed.
At 12:05 p.m., Jan. 30, wind comprised just 4.45 percent … record-setting cold weather. Ironically, wind power wasn't able to contribute … the Windy City’s needs, as wind power generation plummeted. … will be a wind to spin their turbines, or a sunbeam to shine on … more
MSU Professor: Wind Turbines Can Cause Illness
Dizziness and nausea are just two symptoms
… on the harms of a proposed wind farm development, on behalf … emitted by industrial wind turbines, commonly known as infrasound. … to Punch’s research, the turbines used in wind farm developments … physical health.
“Large wind turbines generate infrasound, which … following exposure to wind turbines. Such symptoms in themselves … more
Michigan’s Electric Companies Sign Onto Green Agenda
Expect costlier and less reliable electric power supplies
… collector arrays, plus more wind turbines, with these intermittent … state can lean more heavily on wind- and solar-powered resources … generating resources such as wind, solar photovoltaic, battery … energy but unlike solar and wind turbines, is “dispatchable.” That … additional megawatts of wind turbine capacity over the next … more
Utility’s Plan To Replace Coal With Solar Passes Regulatory Hurdle
Regulators advance it a step, but cost and reliability concerns remain
… storage plans include big batteries and artificial water reservoirs behind turbine-equipped dams (called “pumped storage”). The capacity of such systems is … to address the inconsistency of solar.
“The need to backup or ‘firm up’ wind and solar make them more costly than fossil fuel generation, such as natural … more
A Flip Of A Switch
Not all energy is there when you need it
… sources, like solar power and wind power, are not consistent, … of the cells. Likewise, the wind does not blow all the time. Wind currents are affected by air … throughout the day. And the wind must be neither too strong … water can be made to power a turbine in a matter of seconds and … more
This Michigan Utility Is Planning Your Energy Future
We’ll be much more dependent on intermittent power sources and buying electricity from out of state
… renewable sources, including solar and wind. These intermittent sources also will … gas, nuclear, coal and hydroelectric. Wind and solar, by contrast, are not dispatchable. … only produce electricity when the wind is blowing, or the sun is shining. … plans to install 550 megawatts of wind turbines and 6,350 megawatts of solar arrays. … more
Michigan’s Local Wind Farm Opposition May Drive New Developments To Iowa
Utility’s figures also suggest tens of thousands of acres of solar collectors coming here
… when it comes to building more wind power developments, in part … believe that opposition to wind farm developments in Huron County, and poor wind speeds in counties west of … looking to build more wind turbines in states west of Michigan, … building more than 200 new wind turbines. It expects the new wind … more
Group Opposing Wind Project Accused Of Misleading Public
Advocate of project says photo was misleading
… voice their concerns about wind turbines at an April 26 Beaver Township … Energy, which wants to build wind turbines in Bay County, and wind supporter Peter Sinclair said a photo of wind turbines and buildings on the flyer makes the wind turbines appear much closer to the … more
Another Michigan Community Moving Toward Wind Farm Restrictions
DTE turbine tower plans for Beaver Township stumble on proposed zoning board recommendation
… Thursday to amend a proposed wind farm zoning ordinance for the …
The amendments require wind turbines to have a property-line … communications and electric lines. Turbine towers could not be taller … mostly from hundreds of new wind turbines, with the balance coming … could include 50 to 60 wind turbines that produce 2.5 to 3 megawatts … more
Back To The Future With Renewable Energy Puffery
Who benefits if families must pay more to get the same amount of electric power?
… businesses that profit from wind and other renewable energy … “Building and operating more wind farms and solar power plants … don't mention that adding more wind and solar doesn't reduce by … maintain. Utilities don't add wind and solar capacity instead … If they add 5,000 more wind turbines and cover 100,000 acres … more
DTE Earns Big Gas Pipeline Profits, Lobbied For More Gas-Fired Electricity
‘More renewables’ and ‘less coal’ means more gas, and DTE is big in the gas business
… natural gas. And in Michigan, adding renewable energy mostly means using wind turbines, which must be backed up with natural gas during the 64 percent of the time the wind is not blowing enough to generate power.
The non-utility segments of DTE … more
Industrial Wind Farms Bring Political Conflict, Recalls and Lawsuit to Township
State’s renewable mandate also bringing hundreds of new turbine towers
… legal battle over a proposed wind farm of 63 turbines is brewing in a small community … special land use request by wind turbine supplier NextEra Energy … hundreds of additional wind turbines to hit that goal. Wind turbines from General Electric produce … more
Michigan Is Not a Windy State
The true cost of wind in Michigan is beginning to become clear
… Legislature has favored the wind industry, mandating that an … in the state must come from wind. These mandates are typically … assumption that energy produced by wind will eventually become competitive … true for a while, but lately wind energy prices have been stuck … But building offshore wind turbines is both unpopular and significantly … more
DTE Electricity: Out With Old Coal, In With New Gas
Utility is adding lots of wind capacity, and it mostly needs to be matched by fossil fuel capacity
… with natural gas, solar and wind.
By the end of 2023, the company … natural gas, coal, hydroelectric, wind and solar; an energy portfolio … primarily rely on natural gas, wind, and solar to produce more … produced by biomass and wind turbines.
Unlike gas and coal, … state’s utility monopolies. Wind turbine farms produce electricity … more
Renewable Energy is Not Cheaper After All
Popular measurement of renewable energy's cost ignores its unpredictable nature
… energy advocates who claim wind energy is an obvious, market-based energy choice. I argued that, if wind is as affordable as they claim, … distaste for living next to wind farms means arguments for building … special market carve-outs for wind and solar. With a 15 percent … value of a small natural gas turbine to a large nuclear facility, … more
DTE Produces Enough Wind Power To Run 24,000 Homes - But Part Of The Day Only
Oh, you wanted electricity 24/7?
… explain the impact of solar and wind energy. But one expert says … example, says its Pinnebog wind park in Huron County provides … home relied solely on wind turbines, it would only have power … they would need if no wind turbines or photovoltaic solar cells … means that if you put up a wind turbine or a solar array, they … more
Best Of The Best
CapCon’s most popular stories from 2017
… school team names and mascots must be dropped.
No. 6 story: Proposed Wind Turbines In Michigan County Taller Than ‘Mighty Mac’
The main towers of the … Bridge are 552 feet tall. That makes the bridge 48 feet shorter than wind turbines being proposed for Shiawassee County.
No. 7 story: Medical Pot Bringing … more
Township Officials: Cronyism Rife On Lucrative Wind Project Deals
Wind farm developers pay landowners $1,000-$1,500 per month to allow a turbine tower
… for one of the largest wind turbine farms in the state. He … had, as landowners, signed turbine tower lease deals with the … rural townships targeted by wind farm developers. He said these … lease land to Exelon for wind turbines, as had two members of … members that their having wind turbine leases did not constitute … more
CEOs of Michigan’s Big Energy Monopolies Get Millions, Customers Get Rate Hikes
DTE’s head collected $12.5 million while company lobbied for friendly rewrite of state regulations
… profits by replacing existing coal generating plants with ones powered by natural gas, and also by expanding the amount of power they get from wind turbines.
In early 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court halted implementation of the Clean Power Plan, and the Trump administration has begun the process of rescinding … more
Close Coal Plants, Open Gas Plants, DTE Gets 10 Percent Profit Either Way
It’s good to be a regulated electric monopoly in Michigan
… also a major player in industrial wind turbine developments in rural Michigan … also installing hundreds of new wind turbines in rural counties, along with … currently looking to install industrial wind farms in rural areas of Lapeer, Midland, … an estimated 2,000 additional wind turbines in order to meet a mandate imposed … more
Michigan’s Big Electric, Gas Monopoly Hikes Rates, Rakes In Billions
… customers in southeastern Michigan and gas to 1.2 million customers around the state. The company is also a major player in the expansion of industrial wind turbine sites in rural counties.
In 2012, DTE posted net profits of $666 million, an amount that rose to $866 million in 2016. From 2012 to 2016, the company … more
MSU Pulls Down Windmill Safety Guidelines After Industry Complains
Surprised Extension Service staffers at center of conflict between industry and targeted communities
… model zoning ordinance for wind energy developments after industry … safety standards would impede wind farm development.
The ordinance … that version would allow for turbines and their towers to be located … in Michigan means more wind turbines.
In May, voters in Huron … version recommended that wind turbines and towers have a 2,500-foot … more
DTE Declines Participation In Township Wind Farm Debate
State’s largest utility wanted just one consultant to give both sides
… participate in a public forum about wind farm development in Bay County’s … increasing the number of wind turbines, according to Beaver Township … moratorium on erecting wind turbines and towers. The township … there wasn’t one word on wind turbines in the current zoning ordinance. … figure in perspective, a new wind turbine has a capacity of around … more
Wind Farm Developer Responds to Michigan Conflict of Interest Questions
… County Board of Commissioners have entered wind turbine lease agreements with a company called Apex … been asked to consider zoning changes regarding wind development.
Michigan Capitol Confidential published … story on the lease arrangements on July 10. The wind farm development company responded to a question … more
Elected Officials Stand to Get Thousands from Wind Deals If Zoning Approved
Isabella County change would mean hundreds of turbines; some board members already have deals
… considering zoning changes to allow wind farms have apparently entered … Contracts for placing wind turbines reportedly pay landowners … developer to erect 200 or more wind turbines, county commissioners George … Frank Engler have entered turbine tower lease agreements with … to allow the additional wind turbines. Any changes to zoning … more
In Picturesque U.P. Peninsula, It's Birds v. Wind Turbines
And the birds are losing, say environmentalist opponents
A wind energy developer who wants to erect 400-foot tall wind turbines on a picturesque U.P. peninsula … Energy, already operates 14 wind turbines on the Garden Peninsula, … plaintiffs argue that wind turbines are a threat to protected … shoreline. Hutchins said the turbines are a risk to migratory birds … more
Isabella County Closer to Allowing 200 or More Wind Turbines
Zoning changes would open door for wind turbines up to 600 feet tall
… of up to 200 industrial wind turbines in rural areas of the county, … designed to accommodate the turbines, the commission voted to … County commission.
No wind turbine permit applications are … the U.S. and Canada, the wind turbine provider has already signed … Michigan communities targeted for wind development, a property owner … more
It Would Take 600 Wind Turbines to Replace One Closing U.P. Coal Plant
Natural gas the real replacement, but new Michigan wind mandate means more turbine towers coming, too
… clean renewable energy like wind and solar.
There are 883 wind turbines operating in Michigan, …
It would take about 600 wind turbines to generate the same 359 … plant can produce.
But wind turbines only produce power intermittently … the very best locations, wind turbines only produce electricity … more
Wind Industry Titan Soaks Up Billions in Tax Subsidies
887 turbines here already; NextEra Energy sues Michigan rural townships for more
… municipalities to allow its wind turbine towers to be erected. The company has wind farm projects in 19 states … built more than 8,700 wind turbines in 110 wind farm facilities. … rollout of industrial wind turbines. NextEra is also seeking … vote could add many more turbine towers to the 473 already … more
If Neighbor's Wind Turbine Flings Ice Chunks In Your Yard Is It Trespassing?
Michigan wind farm critic calls allowing the loss of use 'trespass zoning'
… to halt the expansion of wind turbine developments in Michigan. … concept is that the industrial wind farms’ towers and spinning turbines require such large safety … portions of their land if a wind turbine is nearby.
“You did not … signed tower leases with wind turbine companies. “What they’ve … more
Proposed Wind Turbines In Michigan County Taller Than 'Mighty Mac'
…
That makes the bridge 48 feet shorter than wind turbines being proposed for Shiawassee County. A Virginia … to erect as many as 60 of the 600-foot-tall wind turbines there. Huron County is already the site of 473 turbines, and plans call for 550 by the end of this year, … more
1,400 Michigan Wind Turbines Needed To Replace The Palisades Nuclear Plant
Michigan also plans to shutter all its coal plants
… electricity. A typical wind turbine in Michigan has an average … would take around 1,400 wind turbines to replace the energy produced … There are currently 883 wind turbines working in Michigan, most in the Thumb region.
Wind energy is intermittent and … sources like natural gas turbines for when the wind doesn’t … more
Windmills Tall as Skyscrapers Proposed for Rural Michigan County
… Energy has proposed building as many as 60 wind turbines in Shiawassee County — some up to 600 feet … is about 20 percent higher than the tallest wind turbines currently in Michigan, which are 494 feet tall. … in downtown Detroit.
The expansion of wind farms into many Michigan communities is being driven … more
As Michigan House Considers Electric Monopoly Bill, Observers Fear Price Spikes
'Political calculations are a risky substitute for a business plan based on actually meeting demand'
… by grass roots groups and residents in townships likely to be targeted by wind developers looking to cash in on the higher renewable mandate. Residents fear having hundreds of additional industrial wind turbines scattered across their rural landscapes.
William Yeatman, a senior … more
Michigan Energy Battle May Mean More 500 Foot Wind Turbines in Communities
Activist: Rural townships 'are being sacrificed' but 30 have pushed back
… 500-foot-tall industrial wind turbines. The deal is the result … side with environmentalist and wind-industry interests that want … increase the number of wind turbines. Current law mandates that … prospect of hundreds of new turbines and towers spreading across … built in the state. “Since wind turbines only last 20 years, this … more
Media Loves Corporate Welfare Stories, But Silent When Jobs Go Bust
'Amelia Earhart economics – disappears with no evidence of what happened'
… oft-referenced projection that Michigan has the second-best potential for wind generation and production of any state in the country. . . . By the time Obama talked about turning ‘shuttered factories’ into job-creating wind turbine and solar panel production centers, capital press corps members were … more
WikiLeaks: Granholm's Obama Job Application Oversold Clean Energy Jobs
No evidence in data of meaningful green jobs growth
… Statistic (BLS) classified “wind turbines manufacturing” along with … other titles such as “gas turbines manufacturing,” “steam turbines manufacturing” and “water … which some were probably “wind turbines manufacturing.”
Battery … could release data for jobs in wind electric power generation for … more
What is 'Electricity Choice'?
11,000 customers are waiting for it
… natural gas or splitting uranium atoms and using the resulting heat to drive turbines that produce electricity, or capturing solar or wind energy and so forth.
Transmission: Someone has to move the electricity produced … more
Ohio Moves Closer to No More Windmills
Buckeye state also leads in pushback to federal power generation over-reach
… suspension of the government wind energy mandates that were imposed … practical purposes means wind turbines in this part of the country. … in the same boat regarding wind energy. Both are considered to have relatively poor wind energy potential. What is called wind power in these states actually … more
Michigan Won't Be Blown Away By Renewable Energy Jobs
… supposed to have created: 8,200.
ForTheRecord says: The utilities’ response to the renewable energy mandate has been almost exclusively to build wind turbines. The report cited by the Bridge article states there are 8,200 new jobs in the entire “renewable and alternative energy” field. That may sound … more
Renewables Just a Hood Ornament on Fossil Fuel Power System
You can't have renewable energy without fossil fuels backing it up
… generation assets, such as gas turbines, are not available, these … deployed. In other words, gas turbines are an essential component … renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, rely on fossil fuels. … generation nominally credited to wind power is actually produced … Gas Plants Better Than Wind Turbines more
Township Votes Down Wind Energy Project
Meade voters shot down plan for 48 wind turbines
… prospective Detroit Edison wind energy project. On May 5, voters … Edison to erect up to 48 wind turbines in the township. The vote … County, which has more wind turbines than all of Michigan’s … tighter siting restrictions for turbines.
In November, the Meade … about the construction of wind turbines in the region. “When the … more
Texas Moves Toward Dumping Wind Mandate
Texas Senate tells wind energy industry the preferential treatment is ending
… Standard, which is primarily a wind energy (with a certain degree of solar energy) mandate.
Wind energy is more efficient in … is far and away the leading wind energy state in the nation … about the construction of wind turbines. “But now Ohio has frozen … the second filled with wind turbines, when only one is required … more
Poll: Just 1 in 3 Know Wind Energy Depends on Fossil Fuels
Wind is so undependable that fossil fuels are used as backup more than half the time
… percent of voters know about wind energy’s dependence on fossil … that may be associated with wind energy.
“Based on the way … and safety problems with wind turbines have caused some neighbors … County declared the Lake Winds wind plant south of Ludington … $250 million, 56-industrial turbine facility was making them sick. … more
'Big Oil' and 'Big Wind' Keep Public in the Dark About Wind Dependence on Fossil Fuels
And 'big media' is missing the story
… (which is almost exclusively wind energy) and the fossil fuel … the "regular" news media sees wind energy as the underdog to what … casting of what we will call “Big Wind,” in an underdog role to “Big … simplistic, uninformed thinking. Big Wind is backed by billions of dollars … erroneous belief that once the wind turbines are in place, whatever … more
Huron County Pushes Stop Button on Wind Development
With more than 300 wind turbines, officials say they've had enough
… Michigan’s ground zero for wind energy are telling wind developers … enough.” Huron County has 328 wind turbines, more than all of the other … regulations for industrial wind turbines can be put in place.
“What this means is no turbines for people who don’t want … living near industrial wind turbines causes adverse health impacts … more
Natural Gas to Wind Energy: You're Nothing Without Me
Energy from windmills is mostly backed up by fossil fuels
Wind energy in Michigan is approximately two-thirds fossil fuels … Fossil Fuels
Wisconsin Wind Turbines Declared Health Hazard
Utility Appeals Wind Turbine Noise Ruling
Court Backs Finding of Wind Turbine Noise Problem
Utility … To Slap Down Excessive Wind Turbine Noise Finding
Michigan's … more
Bill Package Includes Elimination of Energy Choice
… by just 2.7 percent.”
The Wind Energy Part
As Nesbitt stated, … about the construction of wind turbines in the region, said that … Granholm's 50-story-tall wind turbine mandate, Nesbitt's proposed … Fossil Fuels
Wisconsin Wind Turbines Declared Health Hazard
Utility Appeals Wind Turbine Noise Ruling
Court Backs … more
How Wind Energy Creates More Dependence on Fossil Fuels
'Any informed student of wind energy ... understands that'
… “nasty little secret” about wind energy: It relies on fossil … about the construction of wind turbines in the region, what the …
See also:
Wisconsin Wind Turbines Declared Health Hazard
Utility Appeals Wind Turbine Noise Ruling
Court Backs Finding of Wind Turbine Noise Problem
Utility … more
Energy Policy Director: Wind Energy isn't Cheap and Alone Can't Meet Our Needs
'We left wind a couple hundred years ago'
… “major” misconceptions about wind energy – particularly about …
See also:
Wisconsin Wind Turbines Declared Health Hazard
Utility Appeals Wind Turbine Noise Ruling
Court Backs Finding of Wind Turbine Noise Problem
Michigan's … County Over Safety of Wind Turbines
Utility Asks Court To … more
One Lawsuit Settled, But No Truce in Wind Energy Debate
… residents living near the Lake Winds wind plant south of Ludington … the health impacts of wind turbines, they (the wind energy … who lived near the Lake Winds wind plant – others joined the … wind plant’s 56 giant wind turbines, which the plaintiffs claimed … with these industrial wind turbines will be common knowledge. … more
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