Well...things just keep getting more and more interesting, eh? We're looking at what could be the end of offshore wind power and a clean energy future for the State of Michigan before it even begins. Clean energy, cleaner waters, and a whole new industry in Michigan and the whole of the Great Lakes region are under attack in the Republican held Michigan house of representatives. Not that it should be so surprising.
By the way, if you're in Michigan PLEASE contact your Michigan representatives Right Now and tell them to reject House Bill amendment 4499.
Last week, March 24th, Michigan State representative Ray Franz introduced House Bill 4499.
It goes a little something like this:
- No offshore wind turbines
- No offshore transmission lines for wind turbines
- No wind or environmental assessment structures or buoys if they're for offshore wind power
Here's the amendment:
(4) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT ENTER INTO A LEASE OR DEED THAT
ALLOWS THE USE OF UNPATENTED LANDS FOR THE SITING, PLACEMENT,
CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, OR MAINTENANCE OF ANY STRUCTURE TO
RESEARCH WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, ANY WIND TURBINE, OR ANY
EQUIPMENT OR STRUCTURE RELATED TO A WIND TURBINE, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED, TO A TRANSMISSION LINE.
What about the new coal power plant along the shore of Holland, Michigan? Not surprisingly, our reps are fine with that even though coal ash has caused incredible pollution for our lakes and streams and wildlife, rendering many fish toxic to eat, with high levels of lead and mercury. That, apparently, is fine. Which is ironic considering the usual song and dance against offshore wind power is cloaked in a half baked environmental message.
Please contact your state representative Right Now and tell them you want to see this bill die a quick death.
[UPDATE]
To give you an idea of how contentious an issue this is in some parts, a friend of mine in the Ludington area was discussing offshore wind power with somebody during his lunch break a couple months ago, and the person he was talking to go so worked up he smashed out the window of my friend's car.
Thanks to Wizardkitten for bringing this legislation to my attention.