MichiganRadio

Green (Energy) Thumb ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) -

State regulators say the Thumb is the best place to develop Michigan's future wind energy.

The Michigan Public Service Commission today designated a five county region in the Thumb as the state's primary 'wind energy resource zone.' Parts of Allegan County recieved a similar designation.

MPSC spokeswoman Judy Palnau says the Thumb was the choice for an obvious reason.

"Its estimated that 70% of the state's potential renewable energy generation could be located there," says Palnau, "Its windy."

Palnau says the designation will speed development of wind farms and electric transmission lines.

There are nearly a hundred wind turbines already generating electricity in the Thumb. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio