Representative Terry Brown
Wind Energy Shows Michigan the Thumb's Positives

The following commentary was written by State Rep. Terry Brown (D-Pigeon).

I love the new view I have out my window these days: wind turbines standing watch over acres and acres of farmland, turning gently in the breeze.

I am not the only one with a new view: The rest of Michigan is looking at the Thumb with fresh eyes now that we have cemented our position as the state's leader in wind energy.

People from all around want to come and see the state's first commercial wind farm for themselves. From miles away, the 32 turbines have an almost magnetic pull on curious drivers, bikers and bicyclists. These folks go out of their way to take a look. They can hardly believe that the state's fastest-growing development in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries is here in the Thumb.

For others, the wind farm near Elkton is their intended destination. They want to see it and be part of the excitement. They want their kids and grandkids to see it. From the Detroit area, for example, it's a one-tank trip to come and see what everybody's talking about.

The publicity for the wind farm that started last year, and still continues, has put the statewide spotlight on us – and we’re still shining. When the governor made her special trip here in April to see the farm, with media from around the state in tow, she told our community, "Change is coming, and you’re showing us how to do it well.”

My work in our state’s Capitol, and especially on the House Energy and Technology Committee, gives me the chance to see that our reputation is, indeed, changing. Michigan residents who had thought of the Thumb as irrelevant now know the truth: The Thumb is an innovative leader in clean, renewable energy that is attracting millions of dollars in private investment.

Just as the rest of Michigan will follow our example, we will attract more jobs and economic development to our area to follow our success. The secret is out: The Thumb is a vibrant place full of talented, hard-working, creative individuals. Businesses and families will see this and want to invest in our area and create jobs here.

Our students and our educators, too, are way ahead of the rest of the state. Our young people are learning about renewable energy, and they see its relevance just by looking out the window. They are being prepared for good-paying “green-collar” jobs in this emerging industry. They are excited about creating a world where cleaner, safer energy powers our progress.

With the construction of the Thumb's second wind farm starting near Ubly, we will soon see more business interest, more statewide publicity and more tourists. These folks can watch crews truck in and assemble these giant turbines, a truly amazing sight.

Wind energy is not the only asset in the Thumb – far from it. Yet it presents the greatest potential for our economic growth, and these wind farms provide wonderful opportunities for us to bring in more jobs, more tourists and more income for our communities.

Let’s continue to spread the word that the Thumb is the best place in Michigan to live, work and raise a family!

State Representative Terry Brown represents the 84th District (Huron and Tuscola counties). To contact him, call (888) 254-5284 or e-mail terrybrown@house.mi.gov.

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Some advantages of responsible wind energy development for the Upper Thumb

• Revitalizes our local economy by attracting major private investment.
• Creates jobs for our workers.
• Allows us to rely on ourselves, not outsiders, for more of our energy needs.
• Supplies extra income for farmers and landowners who lease their land.
• Gives schools and local governments more revenue to improve and expand services for residents.
• Preserves land for agricultural use.
• Attracts major investors in renewable energy production and other industries.
• Promotes the Thumb as an attractive, innovative place to live and start a business.
• Prevents local jobs and money from being sent to other states or overseas.
• Prepares students for "green-collar" jobs available in the growing renewable energy industry.
• Attracts researchers, educators and tourists who want to learn more about wind farms.
• Positions the Thumb to put its manufacturing base to work for a new purpose - building and becoming a worldwide supplier of wind turbine components.
• Generates clean, safe electricity without polluting the air or water.
• Uses a source of energy that will never be depleted.