Big Wind - Save Rural Communities
THE EASEMENT CAN BE SOLD TO A THIRD PARTY WITHOUT THE LANDHOLDERS KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT
Join Our Team at Resist Big Wind
We love good news here at Big Wind.
The good news is that in Branch County
people are mobilizing to stop the industrial wind turbine
2018
Many townships now have moratoriums on wind turbines so that local planning committees can have time to study the issues and protect their citizens and resources with zoning ordinances updated to reflect the changes in the technology and threats to the community.
2019
Some townships have hired attorneys and consulting firms to help with wind issues.
Several townships have featured presentations by concerned citizens, not just DTE's viewpoint.
Recently six bald eagles were spotted along the St.Joseph River that runs through the village of Sherwood and much of Branch County. The stretch of the river is home to abundant wildlife, including some endangered species.
2020
The Matteson Township planning committee/township board developed and passed an ordinance that places restrictions on the placement, size, and damage control of industrial wind turbines. Because the area is populated, DTE will not be able to place wind turbines close to properties as it intended, and will not be able to have 500 foot towers interfering with rescue helicopters, reception etc. DTE has sent letters to some lease holders that it will terminate the contract.
Citizens of Matteson Township have finally been able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Sherwood Township will be voting on issues soon. Other townships have moratoriums in place and are working on wind ordinances.
What YOU can do to help
- Study the issues.
- Attend your township meetings.
- Watch the landscape for changes.
- Join a citizens group.
- Resist pressure to sign any 'good neighbor' agreements. Do not give up your rights.
In Branch County, Michigan, a great team of people have joined together to help protect residents by working with township boards, spreading awareness and information on the truth about big wind. They have a Facebook page:
If you live in the area you might be interested in helping out.
New Updates
Big Wind's Facebook page is:
This is a serious issue and we need all the help we can get.
The state house and senate passed energy legislation to override local county and zoning ordinances on energy issues.
Why does this matter?
It matters because the state does not have the right to replace protective zoning with less protection.
In environmental law, the most protective legislation applies.
The Michigan state constitution supports local government and the health, safety and welfare of the residents.
The current legislation goes into effect in November 2025. There are petitions being filled to bring this issue to the voters ballot. The petitions have been approved by the state board of canvassers and all registered voters in the state of Michigan will be able to sign the petition and once on the ballot, vote on it.
What will happen if nothing is done?
The mega energy companies will do as they wish and overrun local authorities. Township and county governments will lose their rights on energy zoning with three people in the state and the corporate interests that they represent will have the authority.
The good that is in the legislation is outweighed by the problems with it and all the work local governments did and do to protect their communities and citizens will be for nothing unless the faulty legislation is disputed and recalled.
The group with petitions is Our Home Our Voice and Citizens for Local Choice:
2024
