Michigan § 460.1147 - Wind energy resource zone; designation; creation; preparation of order; report.

(1) Based on the board's findings as reported under section 145, the commission shall, through a final order, designate the area of this state likely to be most productive of wind energy as the primary wind energy resource zone and may designate additional wind energy resource zones.

(2) A wind energy resource zone shall be created on land that is entirely within the boundaries of this state and shall encompass a natural geographical area or region of this state. A wind zone shall exclude land that is zoned residential when the board's proposed report is issued under section 145, unless the land is subsequently zoned for nonresidential use.

(3) In preparing its order, the commission shall evaluate projected costs and benefits in terms of the long-term production capacity and long-term needs for transmission. The order shall ensure that the designation of a wind zone does not represent an unreasonable threat to the public convenience, health, and safety and that any adverse impacts on private property values are minimal. In determining the location of a wind zone, the commission shall consider all of the following factors pursuant to the findings of the board:

(a) Average annual wind velocity levels in the region.

(b) Availability of land in the region that may be utilized by wind energy conversion systems.

(c) Existing wind energy conversion systems in the region.

(d) Potential for megawatt output of combined wind energy conversion systems in the region.

(e) Other necessary and appropriate factors as to which findings are required by the commission.

(4) In conjunction with the issuance of its order under subsection (1), the commission shall submit to the legislature a report 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. The report shall include any recommendations the commission may have for legislation addressing these issues. Before preparing the report, the commission shall conduct hearings in various areas of the state to receive public comment on the report.