Huron County Divided in More Wind Growth
Wind energy growth may have stalled in 2016 in northern Michigan. In an article published on Friday, November 18th, 2016, by the Huron Daily Tribune it was noted that in a recent survey, Huron county residents approved of renewable wind development by a slight margin. The online survey conducted for the Huron County Planning Commission by the Spicer Group showed that the county is evenly split on the topic of wind development.
The HDT reported that “When asked what Huron County should pursue alternative energy development, 42 percent of respondents agreed that wind is a viable option, and 40 percent disagreed, with 18 percent saying they were neutral.”
The survey was used to assist Huron County planners in the areas of land use, community issues, wind energy growth, and corporate vision. The county master plan has not been changed in 23 years. A hearing on the Master Plan is expected in January.
A Change in Focus with Solar
In June 2019 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order that opened 3.4 million acres of farmland for solar energy development. This was done by changing the tax policy. It reversed a 2017 decision by then Gov. Rick Snyder that barred farmers from using their lands for solar power development.
Some enterprising farmers are using Public Act 116 that allows long-term agricultural tax incentives while developing their farmland for solar power development. While still adhering to the state Farmland and Open Space Preservation program.
Related Exploring
- Huron County Poor Farm
- Drinking-Water Contamination in Caseville’s Water System
- Michigan Climate Change Measurable in Huron County
- Wind Farm Secessionists
