e-POSTER: WHO SUPPORTS WIND ENERGY?
22 May 19
11:55 AM
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12:15 PM
Tracks:
Poster Presentations, Public Relations/Public Acceptance
Michigan has earned the reputation of being one of the most challenging states in the nation to permit and build utility-scale wind energy projects. This is due largely to the work of Kevon Martis, co-founder of the Interstate Informed Citizens Coalition (IICC) and an intellectual leader of the anti-wind movement. Through the IICC, Martis has developed a committed network of activists across the upper Midwest and exported an effective playbook for organizing communities around stopping wind development. Yet, despite tireless intervention by the IICC and local opposition–which included tactics such as forcing project-threatening ballot initiatives in 6 townships, multiple efforts to recall local elected officials deemed supportive of wind, challenges to local and county zoning ordinances, and frequent protests in township and county meetings–Apex was able to rebuff these efforts and avoid delays to our construction schedule. If things continue as planned, Isabella Wind (ISA) will become the largest single-phase project in MI (400MW). From the start, Apex sought to maximize ISA's community acceptance dividend, a term that describes the added value a project holds for its ultimate owner when delivered with strong community support. This presentation is a case study on the strategy and campaign to build meaningful public acceptance at ISA. It also explores opportunities to capitalize on recent successes and strengthen a collective push back against the IICC and related groups.