Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council Announces Spring 2010 Meetings in Saginaw, Escanaba, and Muskegon

Contact: Mario L. Morrow 517-373-9280

Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Opportunity for public to learn about the council's work and provide input on recommendations related to offshore wind energy policies in Michigan

MARCH 8, 2010 - The Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council, an advisory body appointed by Governor Granholm, is hosting three meetings in coastal communities to share information on its recommendations for offshore wind energy and to get input from the public.

LOCATIONS: March 25, 2010 - Saginaw
                     Saginaw Valley State University
                     Curtis Hall, 2nd
                     Floor 7400 Bay Road

                     April 14, 2010 - Escanaba
                     Danforth Place
                     4989 Danforth Road

                    May 4, 2010 - Muskegon
                    Location to be determined

TIME:           All meetings begin with an open house starting 6:00 PM. Presentations begin at 7:00
                    PM, followed by opportunities for discussion and input by participants. Meetings end
                    at 9:00 PM.

DETAILS:     In its September 2009 report, the council recommended criteria for identifying the least
                    favorable and most favorable areas for development of offshore wind energy in the
                    state's Great Lakes. For example, the most favorable areas are at least six miles
                    offshore and avoid shipping lanes, sensitive fish and wildlife habitats, etc. The five 
                    largest most favorable areas are located in southern Lake Michigan near Berrien County, 
                    northern Lake Michigan near Delta and Mackinac Counties, outer Saginaw Bay, and
                    Lake Huron near Sanilac County.  The council has also proposed a regulatory framework
                    to establish a clear process in state law for leasing the necessary state-owned bottomlands.
                   The council is now seeking input from the public on its recommendations by hosting the
                   three meetings. The meetings will not address the merits of specific development proposals
                   for offshore wind projects. For more information, including a copy of the council's report
                   and meeting materials, visit: www.michiganglowcouncil.org.

CONTACT:   DELEG Office of Communications 517-373-9280