Energy

Wind fills Commission’s sails

With so many challenges in siting wind development, the Great Lakes Commission has been facilitating a new group to carefully guide wind development in the Great Lakes region.

From environmental concerns with siting to the lack of consistent permitting regulations, there are major challenges involved in developing wind energy resources in the Great Lakes region. Onshore wind development is beginning to expand at a rapid pace and plans for offshore wind turbines in the lakes are proceeding amidst a flurry of issues, and setting new precedents for in-lake turbines.

Formed in May, 2008, The Great Lakes Wind Collaborative (GLWC) is a group established to build consensus and identify and address issues affecting the safe planning, development, and operation of wind power facilities in the Great Lakes region. The group acts as a forum for dialogue and an opportunity to exchange information the sustainable development of wind power in the region.

GLWC members include representatives from a broad spectrum of interests throughout the Great Lakes region, from state, provincial and federal regulators to industry and NGOs. Great Lakes United is serving the coalition as a member of the Steering Committee. Anyone can join the GLWC and receive updates on the group’s work and meetings by signing at www.glc.org/energy/wind/

Watch for information on the GLWC’s 2nd Annual Meeting slated to take place the second week of June in Milwaukee, WI. For more information please visit the GLC website, or contact: John Hummer or Victoria Pebbles, Great Lakes Commission, jhummer@glc.org, vpebbles@glc.org, 734-971-9135.

© 2009 Great Lakes News.