This year the "Mighty Mac" celebrates its 50th year of service connecting Michigan's Peninsulas. Driving south across the Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Bridge from St Ignace, I always cringe at the site of two large wind turbines ruining the view. I have nothing else against wind power, just don't ruin scenic views.
Michigan is blessed with numerous areas of excellent to superb wind corridors. (see photo) Most of these areas are also located near scenic view points and natural areas.
Plans are currently underway for two large wind farms in Michigan. One is proposed for the tip of the "Thumb" area and a second is proposed in the Traverse City area. Both of these sites are located in superb corridors as identified by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (see photo at left)
According to a recent article by Deb Price of the Detroit News; "By conserving energy and relying more on renewable energy sources such as wind and sunshine, Michigan could create 6,800 jobs, cut consumers' energy bills by $2.2 billion, and reduce pollution including global warming emissions by 30 percent over the next 14 years, according to a report released Wednesday (Feb 21, 2007) by the Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center." The entire report is available at Energizing Michigan's Economy.
As Michigan switches to the next economy, people will have to choose from other sources of green power. For some, getting green power may be as easy as checking a box on your energy bill. About 600 of the US's 6,000 power utilities offer a green power option of one kind or another. In this sort of program, the local utility buys renewable energy (wind, solar, etc.) and then passes it along to customers. It often costs a bit more, but not much, and it helps support the industry for clean, green power.
According to the Department of Energy; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy there are several sources of renewable energy available to people living in Commerce Michigan. Not all sources are clean energy. Before you sign up, though, ask where they're getting their power from. If it's a source like waste coal or waste-to-power, you might be better off buying your credits elsewhere.
Here is the complete nationwide list. Renewable energy credit sources are shown below the list of power companies.
Others in this series: "No Impact Man" 100 MPG X-PRIZE One Billion Bulbs Energizing Michigan's Economy
One Small Step for Man...? Select Michigan Products How Green is Your Funeral?
Help!...Do You Give Eco-Friendly Closing Gifts? Earth Day Coupons, Games, Offers, and Family Activities
EEK! Michigan Schools Get an Alternative Energy Plan Kids!...Roofus Saves the Day???
"...Tell Me, Are We Alive, or Just a Dying Planet?..."
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Great post, Gary. As you may know, the siting of the wind turbines in Mackinaw City was controversial, spawning numerous surrounding locales to adopt exclusionary zoning. I actually think the wind turbines are cool, and love the idea of alternative energy. I am sure that there are some who initially believed that the Mackinaw Bridge was an eyesore. To me, alternative energy is not only the green thing to do, it is the patriotic thing to do as well. The idea of wind turbine farms is a great one, I think.