Michigan utility proposes new wind farms

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DETROIT, April 14 (UPI) -- Michigan utility company DTE Energy announced a decision to build three wind farms along the eastern coast of the Great Lakes state.

The utility company said it acquired easements on 80,000 acres of land in the eastern part of the state for the wind farms and associated infrastructure. It also completed studies examining the wind regime and potential impact on the wildlife at the sites.

The three wind farms will be situated on nearly 15,000 acres in the so-called thumb of Michigan.

Trevor Lauer, vice president of marketing and renewable at DTE, said in a statement legislation passed in 2008 by Michigan's Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm paved the way toward a renewable energy base in the state.

The wind farms are part of a plan by the utility to add more renewable resources to its energy mix. The company said wind energy will be the primary source of renewable energy in the state.

"This is a great opportunity to bring more renewable energy to our service area, and also a way to grow the renewable energy industry in Michigan," added Lauer.