By REP. DAN SCRIPPS
Offshore wind energy development holds great potential for the state of Michigan.
With our connection to the Great Lakes, a world-class workforce, plentiful industrial capacity that can be retrofitted to produce wind turbine components and our top-notch universities actively developing cutting-edge technologies, Michigan is uniquely well positioned to lead the world in offshore wind energy production and innovation. By grasping this opportunity, Michigan can build on its historic strengths in automotive manufacturing to diversify our economy, attract investment and create thousands of good-paying jobs for Michigan workers.
However, in part because of the significant competitive advantages that make Michigan so attractive, there is a danger that we could end up as a sort-of Wild West of offshore wind development. Recently proposed projects in Lake Michigan, such as the Aegir Offshore Wind Farm near Ludington and Pentwater, demonstrate the need for a more deliberative process to steer the development of offshore wind energy projects going forward.
I am working with legislative, industry and community leaders to develop an appropriate framework to guide offshore wind development in Michigan.
In a recent report, the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Council recommended that the state create a buffer zone of at least six miles between the shoreline and any offshore wind development. Unfortunately, the current Ludington/Pentwater proposal does not meet this standard. We have to carefully balance our goals of attracting wind energy developers -- and jobs -- to our state with legitimate concerns about the responsible use of our Great Lakes.
The companies behind the Ludington/Pentwater proposal, Havgul Clean Energy AS and Scandia, should be applauded for their initiative and their interest in investing in offshore wind energy development in Michigan. Their proposal to build Michigan's largest offshore wind development to date highlights the potential for investment and job creation that offshore wind represents.
Yet, as the questions raised by this proposal demonstrate, there also are legitimate concerns that must be addressed. The public's voice must be heard before development projects that could significantly impact our community are allowed to go forward. A public comment process needs to be developed to give all residents the opportunity to express their opinions and ask questions.
There is a right way and a wrong way to promote offshore wind development in Michigan's waters. Because of the importance of the Great Lakes to our economy, our quality of life and our identity as Michiganders, we owe it to ourselves and to future generations to develop a common-sense strategy to facilitate the development of offshore wind projects.
As the Great Lakes State, Michigan has much to gain from the development of offshore wind energy systems in the Great Lakes -- if we do it the right way.
About the author: Dan Scripps, whose district includes much of the area where the proposed Aegir Offshore Wind Farm would be located, represents the people of Mason, Manistee, Benzie and Leelanau Counties in the Michigan House of Representatives. Scripps serves on the House Energy and Technology and Great Lakes and Environment committees, among others. For more information or to contact Rep. Scripps, contact his office toll-free at (888) 642-4101.
