BRONSON, Mich. (WOOD) — There’s a battle brewing about how Michigan will produce energy in the future. Much of the debate is focused on whether wind-powered turbines are the answer.
“This industry is marked by a history of litigation, referendum, recall, political action and social turmoil,” said Kevon Martis, the director of the Interstate Informed Citizen’s Coalition.
Martis formed the coalition in 2011 to oppose wind projects that were proposed where he lived in southeast Michigan. Now his focus is in Branch County.
DTE Energy says more than 120 landowners have signed easements for about 25,000 acres of land. The easements compensate the landowners on a per-acre basis for the right to be considered part of a wind farm project in the future.
“We know that people are excited in Branch County because this is a tremendous opportunity for them,” Matt Wagner, renewable energy development manager for DTE Energy, said.
Not so fast, Martis said.
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