The Commission is directed by 2008 PA 295, Part 4 to designate the area of the state likely to be most productive of wind energy as a primary wind energy resource zone and may designate additional wind energy resource zones.

Wind energy resource zones are to be created on land and exclude land that is zoned residential as of June 2, 2009. Land that is subsequently zoned for nonresidential use after that date may be included.

In designating the zones, the Commission will evaluate projected costs and benefits in terms of the long-term production capacity and long-term needs for electric transmission. Necessary transmission infrastructure needed to serve the potential wind energy resource zones will be filed in the U-15899 electronic docket by electric providers and transmission companies by November 30, 2009.

A determination must be made that designation of a wind zone does not represent an unreasonable threat to the public convenience, health, and safety and that any adverse impacts on private property values are minimal.

The Commission will consider all of the following factors based on the Wind Energy Resource Zone Board's final report:

• Average annual wind velocity levels in the region.
• Availability of land in the region that may be utilized for wind development.
• Existing wind development in the region.
• The combined megawatt-hour output from potential wind development in the region.

As part of the wind energy resource zone designation activities, the Commission will prepare a report for the legislature on the effect that wind turbine setback requirements and noise limitations under local zoning or other ordinances may have on wind energy development in wind energy resource zones. The report will include any recommendations the Commission may have for legislation addressing these issues.

A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2009 to take public comment for the report. The public hearing will be held in Lansing at the Commission Offices and two additional satellite locations:

Huron Area Technical Center
1160 S. Van Dyke Road
Bad Axe, MI 48413

University Center
Room 215/217
Boardman Lake Campus
Northwestern Michigan College
2200 Dendrinos Drive
Traverse City, MI 49684

After a short presentation by the Commission Staff, the hearing will be for the sole purpose of providing an opportunity for all interested persons to present statements, views, data, questions, or arguments concerning the effect of wind turbine setback requirements and noise limitations under local zoning or other ordinances on wind energy development in wind energy resource zones. A verbatim transcript of the public hearing will be created by a court reporter, and the transcript will become public information available on the Commission's website and subject to disclosure. The public hearing will continue until all parties present have had a reasonable opportunity to present statements regarding the proposed rules. Persons presenting statements may be asked questions by the Commission and its Staff, as well as by the presiding officer. Statements may be limited in duration by the presiding officer in order to ensure that all interested parties have an opportunity to participate in the proceedings. Participants may file written comments at the public hearing. Participants may attend in person at any of the above locations to provide comments.

Written and electronic comments may be filed with the Commission and must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 11, 2009. Detailed information about filing comments is available in the Notice of Public Hearing.