Tryon Appointed to Study Windmills in Lake Michigan

A press release from State Rep. Mike Tryon:

Rep. Mike Tryon Named to Wind Energy Task Force

Windmills in Idaho

Windmills in Idaho

SPRINGFIELD….. A long-time proponent of renewable energy, State Representative Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) has been appointed to the Offshore Wind Energy Economic Development Policy Task Force.

The task force was created as part of the passage of HB2753, which was signed into law in August of this year.

In addition to creating the task force, the law creates the Lake Michigan Wind Energy Act and requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to develop a detailed offshore wind energy siting matrix for the bed of Lake Michigan and once that matrix is complete to issue permits and site leases.

Tryon, who has a degree in Environmental Science, will join 19 others on the task force, which is charged with analyzing and evaluating potential economic and policy options to facilitate the development of offshore wind energy and to propose an appropriate mechanism for purchasing and selling the power in Illinois.

The group will be chaired by the IL Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or a designee from that office.

Mike Tryon

Mike Tryon

“In a recent report, the Lake Michigan Offshore Wind Energy Advisory Council raised concerns about the development of wind energy in Lake Michigan,” said Tryon.

“If development of this renewable energy source is to be continued, we need to address the issues raised in the report so we can provide the necessary foundation for the development of a carefully balanced regulatory system to protect natural resources.”

The research and study is expected to take at least two years and according to experts in the wind energy field, Illinois is still many years away from the leasing and permitting system that would allow for wind turbines in Lake Michigan.


Comments

Tryon Appointed to Study Windmills in Lake Michigan — 5 Comments

  1. Important but, let’s have action on Pensions, Balanced Budget, and Transparency for proactive accountability.

  2. Wonder how many birds would fly into Lake Michigan windmills.

    A big story in US energy is the escalating migration from coal to natural gas.

    Coal fired power generation plants being replaced by natural gas powered plants.

    Coal mines being replaced by fracking for natural gas.

    Coal mine related jobs decreasing.

    Natural gas related jobs increasing.

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