Michigan Wind Power Ordinances

Currently, Grand Haven, Michigan doesn't have an ordinance with specific requirements for small wind turbines in residential areas. This could prove to be a problem as technology becomes more readily available. "It has become so accessible now for every citizen," City Planner Kristin Keery said. Landscape contractors should check local ordinances before installing small wind turbines at an owners request.

The West Michigan Wind Assessment out of Grand Valley State University is analyzing the environmental, social and economic benefits, and challenges of wind energy development in the region. The report is the first phase of an integrated assessment of wind energy in four coastal counties ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Erik Nordman, principal investigator of the project, said key findings include: While the state government issued a renewable energy mandate, managing the deployment of wind energy facilities is left to local governments; Of the 73 townships in the study area, 37 (48 percent) have zoning ordinances related to wind energy already in place. Fifteen townships are in the process of developing an ordinance and 21 do not have an ordinance.

Meanwhile, as the Grand Haven Planning Commission mulls a new ordinance for wind power, a company with local ties is urging the commission to take action. Grand Haven resident Imad Mahawili, founder and chief technical officer of Muskegon-based Windtronics, said residents using small wind-generation technology to produce power can defray residential energy costs between 15 and 20 percent, and eliminate the production of carbon dioxide. ?EUR??,,????'?????<