Informational Meeting held in Harbor Beach on May 2, 2010

A presentation by Dr. Malcolm Swinbanks M.A., PhD. and resident of Port Hope, clearly explained the deficiencies of the Huron County standards for regulation of wind turbines to those in attendance at the second Knowwind .org informational meeting held on Sunday, May 2^nd at the Harbor Beach District Library.  The  meeting was well attended with several new faces joining the Knowwind group.   

Commissioner Ron Wrubel, also in attendance, commented on his disappointment in the lack of jobs actually created by the two wind developments in Huron County but expressed his concern that if the county regulations become too strict, the state will take over the zoning regulations.   However, the Michigan Wind Energy Resource Zone Board, in issuing the their Report on The Impact of Setback Requirements and Noise Limitations in Wind Zones in Michigan, January 25, 2010, stated:  “…these matters should be decided at the local level….No evidence presented to the Commission suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach would work for the entire state….the Commission recommends that decisions regarding appropriate setback distances and noise levels should remain under the province of local planning and zoning authorities….”  

Knowwind.org is very concerned about the lack of local officials to consider the long term impact of thousands of wind turbines devastating our landscape.  The impact these turbines will have on the future of Huron County is far reaching:  health issues for area residents; ecological issues to wildlife; economic issues such as property value reductions to residential properties within the developments as well as to the shoreline - vacationers and second home owners seeking relaxation and recreation will no longer find Huron County a desirable location – and loss of revenue for tourism related businesses.  Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and tell them of your concerns.  

Huron County does not need the wind turbines to provide power to local residents, yet our residents will suffer the impact from the massive turbines as well as the transmission infrastructure that will be necessary for any expansion of wind energy.    This is our home – we need your help to protect it!  

Join us to stay aware of new developments and our next informational meeting coming soon.