BY SEN. JASON ALLEN
Michigan residents are blessed to be surrounded by the Great Lakes and their abundance to satisfy a diversity of interests representing commerce, recreation, tourism, agriculture, beauty and cultural heritage. The Lakes have a sense of mystery and awe, while having their power and strength mixed with an environmental fragility. More and more evidence indicates that these natural reservoirs can also become a great resource for energy with the potential development and utilization of off-shore wind turbines. Availability, consistency and velocity of wind make the Great Lakes an attractive wind resource to energy developers.
I am encouraged with Michigan's creation of the Great Lakes Wind Council. This body is comprised of a variety of individuals and organizations with a vested interest in the utilization of the Great Lakes for wind energy production. Members hail from environmental and land use groups, American Indian tribal government, energy industry, commercial industries, outdoors persons, state and local government.
A wide range of input is important. It will help to ensure that recommendations will be made with thoughtful consideration for the impact that off-shore wind turbines will have on the diverse groups with interests in the Lakes. The transparency of groups with multiple points of view meeting publicly to discuss utilization of natural resources provides assurance that decisions will made for the common good. The Grand Traverse community is well represented on the task force and our collective voice on the Lakes will be clearly heard as the council begins meeting this month.
The promise that this natural resource holds requires careful study and review. While expediency is often desired in situations where the course seems obvious, we must also take into account the full impact of any actions. Every Michigan resident has a stake in the use of the Great Lakes and their views must be heard. Our neighboring states and Ontario have equally vested interests in the Lakes. These governments also are proceeding with development plans.
The Great Lakes hold different meanings for all of us. For some, they are a source of business and commerce. Others view them in terms of their aesthetic beauty and the diverse wildlife and natural resources they offer. Some depend upon the Lakes for food and income, as their ancestors did. And still others see them as an untapped resource available for our careful utilization. Negotiating these diverse connections to the Great Lakes requires judicious consideration and input from many sources if they are to serve as an energy resource for future generations.
Michigan is fortunate to have the opportunity to develop this form of green energy. But in developing this resource to its fullest, we must continue to be mindful of the impact it will have on the usage of the Great Lakes. With this in mind, we can ensure that if the decision is made to proceed with off-shore wind turbines, their placement will be made after thoughtful consideration of multiple points of view.
About the author: State Sen. Jason Allen, R-Traverse City, represents the 37th District, which includes most of northern Michigan.
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