In Michigan
(2009-07-30)
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Thirty two turbines have been built at John Deere's Harvest Wind Farm in The Thumb.
Dustin Dwyer
Michigan is another step closer to getting some of its energy from the wind.
The Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council is wrapping up a report ordered by Governor Granholm.
The council is proposing that any wind turbines in the lakes be placed at least six miles from the shore and a mile from established shipping routes.
Bill Rustem is with Public Sector Consultants and is on the council.
"There's a balance to be struck here because there certainly is aesthetic value to the quality of the view of the Great Lakes," Rustem says. "But at the same time, it's got to be in water shallow enough that you can put these wind towers given present technologies."
Rustem says the report also recommends some legal changes, such as making it clear that wind turbines are a legitimate use of Great Lakes bottomlands.
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