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L’ANSE — The following is a press release from The Friends of the Huron Mountains:
The Friends of the Huron Mountains, a group formed to protect the interests of its members in the Huron Mountains and Michigamme Highlands area, welcomes today’s news that Renewable Energy Systems Ltd. will not proceed with the Summit Lake Wind Farm project on Weyerhaeuser Co. land in L’Anse Township. FOHM opposed the project for many reasons – questionable economic benefits, environmental damage, tribal rights and more – and forced a referendum on permissive zoning changes that the township board adopted last year.
The vote, by township residents residing outside the village limits, will be held on May 7 as scheduled. FOHM wishes to remind voters that the referendum is not about Summit Lake – it’s about rejecting zoning that could open the door to other developers by making all commercial forest land eligible for industrial wind development.
This issue has divided neighbors and even families in and around L’Anse. FOHM chairman Burt Mason said “A ‘No’ vote will allow us all to take a deep breath and get together to update the Master Plan to reflect what the people want. What the community may lose in short-term financial gain will be more than offset by the combination of community spirit and ability in our group, who now can turn their talents to making this a better place to live and visit.”
The Friends of the Huron Mountains is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed to serve the common interests of visitors, residents, and friends of Baraga and Marquette counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
ORIGINAL STORY:
L’ANSE — RES (Renewable Energy Systems) is no longer pursuing the Summit Lake Wind Project, a proposed 130 MW wind farm in L’Anse Township, Michigan. Continued delays in the planning process have ceased to make the project financially and logistically viable.
“After a careful review of several factors, RES has decided to discontinue the development of the Summit Lake Wind project,” said Sean Stocker, RES Project Manager. “We have enjoyed working with the local community and want to thank all the landowners and supporters of the Summit Lake Wind project.”
RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company and have been in business for over 35 years. We have delivered more than 16 GW of renewable energy capacity worldwide and will continue to lead the transition to a future where everyone has access to affordable zero carbon energy.
