The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today submitted to the Michigan legislature its report on the effect that setback requirements and noise limitations under local zoning or other ordinances may have on wind energy development in Michigan.  The report, required by Public Act 295 of 2008, follows a public hearing held in Lansing, Bad Axe and Traverse City.

"My fellow Commissioners and I carefully reviewed the final report of the Wind Energy Resource Zone Board and the public comments made on setback requirements and noise limitations," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.  "As a result, we are recommending that decisions about appropriate setback distances and noise levels continue to be made by local planning and zoning authorities at this time.  No evidence was presented to the Commission that suggests a one-size-fits-all approach would work for the entire state.

"In addition, we see a clear need for the dissemination of current scientific information on the process for determining setbacks.  Therefore, the Commission will expand the role of the Wind Working Group to include sponsoring periodic meetings to provide that needed information to decision makers."

To keep the Governor and the legislature appraised, the Commission will submit an annual report in March that summarizes the effect of establishing wind zones, expedited transmission line siting applications, and estimates for future wind capacity within wind zones.  The report will also include any recommendations for changes.

The entire report is available on the Commission's wind zone Web site:  michigan.gov/windzone.