Wesley Prater
District 4 «
Democrat
Washtenaw County Commissioner
Alternative & Renewable Energy
We are acutely aware that fossil fuel, used for
the production of energy, is becoming depleted and more expensive,
and that it contributes to the pollution of not only our air but of
our water supply as well.
We must, therefore, find alternative means to produce energy.
Shortly after
taking office, as County Commissioner, I began to investigate ways
in which the County could reduce its soaring cost of energy
consumption and find a source of renewable electric energy with no
emissions, and which would not dump toxic wastes into the
environment.
While attending the National Association of Counties Conference
in July of 2005, I learned, during casual conversation with several
conferees about alternative energy, that there was a wind energy
project in Bowling Green, Ohio.
There were not many details available
during that conversation, but it sounded as though it could be
something we might develop in Washtenaw County.
Therefore, upon my return, I began to seek information about the
project. My research led me to the innovator of the Bowling Green
Wind Farm Project, Mr. Daryl D. Stockburger. In response, Mr.
Stockburger agreed to assist in any way possible, but encouraged me
to speak with the current director of the project, Mr. Kevin
Maynard.
I contacted Mr. Maynard, and arranged a meeting in Bowling
Green, Ohio, in order to discuss the project in detail and whether
such a project might be feasible in Washtenaw County. Mr. Maynard
was helpful; informative, and his detailed account of the
construction; operation, and revenue of the project provided
sufficient data for me to see that such a project would be
possible in Washtenaw County.
Since wind energy is renewable and
would be beneficial to our environment by reducing fossil fuel
emissions into our atmosphere; help reduce dependence on foreign
fuel, and provide electricity at approximately 8 cents per
kilowatt hour compared to current costs of electrical power at an
average of 9.52¢/
KWH from Detroit Edison.
Having reviewed the Bowling Green
(Ohio) Wind Farm Program, I have concluded that if wind
velocities in Washtenaw County are adequate to generate electricity,
we would be well served to employ such a system.
I
have proposed (on April 5, 2006), and the Washtenaw County Board of
Commissioners approved, resolution #06-0065 to direct the County
Planning Department to develop a wind energy strategic business
program to supply electrical energy for that purpose. And
to begin wind tests to locate appropriate sites for the Wind Energy
turbines.
The resolution passed unanimously and
in part directed the Washtenaw County Director of Planning and
Environmental Services, Mr. Anthony Van Der Werp, to "immediately
provide a plan to wind test and erect a Wind Farm to provide
electricity" for use in Washtenaw County.
Upon completion of the plan for wind testing, which will identify
the best locations for the wind turbines,
the Director will submit an operational plan along with appropriate
cost estimates to the Board of Commissioners for their approval.
This will give the County a renewable electric energy source with no
toxic emissions, with an indefinite life span when properly
maintained.
With careful planning and proper implementation, we can reduce
our dependency on the use of fossil fuels to provide energy for
the needs of the Washtenaw County Government.