I’m working with Forest Hill Energy on the Fowler Farms project, and would like to respectfully offer a few comments:
 
First, there is no “breakneck speed” involved in the rollout of wind power as a source of energy. For instance, Clinton County’s planning officials have been working for more than two years to develop an appropriate ordinance to regulate wind turbines. The planning commission has worked diligently and developed one of the more stringent ordinances in the state, one that protects the health and safety of the community while allowing wind projects to move forward.
 
Second, the fact is that new wind power is costing less for utilities to bring online than new coal plants, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission. Power from a new coal plant would cost $133/megawatt. The utilities today are purchasing power from wind projects for under $70/megawatt.  
 
Other nations are not abandoning wind power. In fact, they continue to add to it, recognizing that it is part of a responsible mix of power sources for their economies. The World Wind Energy Association, in its report for 2011, notes that:
•	The worldwide wind capacity reached 237,016 Megawatt, out of which 40,053 Megawatt were added in 2011, more than ever before.
•	Altogether, 96 countries and regions have been identified worldwide to use wind power for electricity generation.
•	Wind power showed a growth rate of 20.3 %.
Here is a web site with more detailed information: http://www.wwindea.org/home/index.php

This project is an important investment in the county, putting into the hands of county residents millions of dollars, creating construction jobs and adding about $8.9 million in property taxes over the next 20 years. This will allow local schools, townships and the county to either invest in projects desired by county residents, or to lower property taxes on residents.
 
The Republican Party supports property rights, free markets and less regulation. Forest Hill Energy supports those same principles: The right of property owners to determine what to do with their land to maximize its value, the ability of power purchasers to choose the power they wish to buy – particularly when one is less expensive and creates less pollution – and fair regulation that does not prohibit economic development. I hope you would support this wind energy project in Clinton County, so the county can benefit, as are other communities around the state.
 
 
David Waymire
Martin Waymire Advocacy Communications
 
