Underwater turbines run into opposition
Source: Detroit News
In theory, it's a simple concept: Harness Michigan's wind and water resources to generate electricity to aid in the movement away from fossil fuels. In practice, however, it has become maddeningly complex for some trying to make it happen.
Projects designed to place towering wind turbines out in the waters of the Great Lakes where they would be most efficient have met with strong opposition from the public. That opposition is often based on concerns over impacts on fish habitats, recreation activities and views.
Underwater turbines, which capture the momentum of water currents in oceans, lakes and rivers, are starting to get the same kind of scrutiny. But so far, only wind power seems to be garnering support.
While Michigan has at least 23 wind farms planned or in operation, to date no offshore wind projects have been approved in the United States. So to help move those projects from the drawing board to reality, several Great Lakes states and 10 federal agencies have entered into a partnership to expedite testing and permitting process.
Read more: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120416/SCIENCE/204160347
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...wind turbines on the edge of the horizon over the water, vs. leveling the Appalachian mountains in WV.
This:
or this:
