The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today said it will hold a public hearing at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 23 to solicit public comments on the effect of wind turbine setback requirements and noise limitations under local zoning or other ordinances on wind energy development in wind energy resource zones.  The hearing will take place in Lansing at the MPSC's office, with satellite locations in Bad Axe and Traverse City taking part electronically.

The Wind Energy Resource Zone Board's final report, which includes the board's recommendations to the Commission, is available for review on the Web at michigan.gov/windboard.

The public hearing will take place at the Commission's Lansing office, located at 6545 Mercantile Way.  People may also participate by electronic means at the Huron Area Technical Center, located at 1160 S. Van Dyke Rd., in Bad Axe; and in room 215/217 of the University Center at the Boardman Lake Campus of Northwestern Michigan College, located at 2200 Dendrinos Dr., in Traverse City.  People attending any of the public hearing locations may also submit written comments there.

The hearing sites are accessible, including handicapped parking.  People needing accommodation to participate should contact the Commission's Executive Secretary at (517) 241-6160 at least one week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

Interested persons may also submit written and electronic comments with the Commission no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 11.  Written comments should be sent to:  Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI  48909.  Electronic comments may be e-mailed to mpscedockets@michigan.gov.   All comments should reference Case No. U-15899.  All information submitted to the Commission in this matter will become public information, available on the Commission's Web site, and subject to disclosure. 

Public Act 295 of 2008, also known as the Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act, requires the Commission to submit a report to the Michigan legislature on the effect that setback requirements and noise limitations under local zoning or other ordinances may have on wind energy development in wind energy resource zones.  It also requires the Commission to hold public hearings prior to submitting the report to the legislature.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

Case No. U-15899