Oceana County rejects offshore wind farm proposal (USA)

Scandia originally proposed a large-scale wind-energy development, much of it based in Lake Michigan. The proposal called for installation of 500-megawatt wind farms off the shorelines of the Pentwater/Ludington areas and Grand Haven area, along with a smaller onshore wind farm on Muskegon County’s wastewater site.The offshore segment of the proposal generated much interest and concern throughout West Michigan. Many public forums were held since December in Oceana, Muskegon, Mason and Ottawa counties, and many people made passionate pleas, some for and more against, concerning the proposal to install large wind turbines 4 miles off Pentwater and 6 miles off Grand Haven.

Proponents pointed to the need for renewable energy and the potential to create many jobs through a new manufacturing industry. Opponents, including a vocal group based in Pentwater, argued that the proposal threatens the area’s greatest asset, Lake Michigan, along with the connected tourism industry.