06/23/2006

Walker: Local zoning shouldn't tilt windmills

Bill would set state standards

By Brian Mcgillivary

bmcgillivary@record-eagle.com

Walker

TRAVERSE CITY — Some of his neighbors on Old Mission Peninsula may not like the idea, but State Rep. Howard Walker continues his push to bring windmills to Michigan by overriding local zoning.

Walker, R-Traverse City, introduced House Bills 4648 and 4649 to legalize construction of electricity-generating windmills in all zoning districts if they meet certain state guidelines for noise and setbacks.

He said patchwork zoning laws currently hinder the placement of windmills in Michigan — the nation's 14th windiest state.

A legislative analysis reported Michigan has enough potential wind energy to power 46 percent of the state's 3.7 million homes. Wind power currently provides less than one percent of the state's household elecricity use.

"We have to provide enough incentives and certainty for industry to look at Michigan as a possible place for alternative energy," Walker said.

His legislation has drawn mixed reviews from the industry, local planning officials, and his neighbors.

"Some think I'm pretty stupid and some think it's a pretty good idea because they want (wind turbines) on their farms," Walker said.

Garfield Township planner Gerry Harsch said everyone likes the idea of electricity from wind but some don't want to see windmills in their back yards.

""We absolutely need a policy that encourages alternative energy and I think the state has to step in and say (windmills) have to be allowed," Harsch said.

Some think windmill legislation is none of the state's business. In Leelanau County, Tim Johnson, who's chairman of the Centerville Township Planning Commission, said his township is drafting its own windmill ordinance after Connecticut-based Nobel Environmental Power proposed a windmill farm.

"The locating of wind turbines is an involved and sophisticated process," Johnson said. "Walker's legislation is overly simplified and inappropriate."

Walker's bills have been backed by the state's two largest electric companies, but a Noble spokeswoman Jeanette Hagen said the company prefers to work with local governments, though they may be more restrictive.

Walker drafted a substitute for his original House proposals that passed committee but stalled on the House floor.

"I wanted to open up this discussion because we need to have a vigorous debate in this state on wind energy," he said.