Some Michigan townships seeking to halt wind turbine growth

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(BRIDGEHAMPTON TOWNSHIP) — Several townships in the Thumb region have halted or are considering moratoriums on wind energy development. Three Sanilac County townships recently approved a moratorium or rejected wind energy ordinances including Marion, Argyle and Wheatland. A fourth, Bridgehampton Township, is exploring a moratorium. Exelon Corporation is developing an area wind farm. Spokeswoman Kristen Otterness says the company works with communities “to develop a constructive approach to permitting wind generation facilities.” The actions follow a wind turbine’s collapse last month in the Huron County community of Elkton. Residents told county officials this month they are concerned about the rising number of turbines and complained about noise and lights. The Michigan Public Service Commission in 2009 designated the Thumb region as a primary wind energy resource zone.