Stateside: How communities should weigh the pros and cons of wind turbines

Michigan Radio

The Michigan Public Service Commission tells us that wind generation is the primary source of alternative energy in our state. But that means lots of wind turbines. As of last month, Michigan has a total of 1,051 operational turbines with more on the way. And while some communities will welcome wind farms, others push back to keep turbines out of their backyards.

Sarah Banas Mills has worked with and studies many Michigan communities while they decide whether to approve wind turbines. She’s with the Center for Local, State and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) at the Gerald R. Ford School for Public Policy at the University of Michigan, and discusses why wind developers are flocking to Michigan’s Thumb region.