BoatU.S. is urging boaters to weigh in on the Icebreaker Wind project, a proposed small wind farm “demonstration project” by Ohio’s utility regulator, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). The Icebreaker Wind project is located 8 to 10 miles northwest of Cleveland in Lake Erie.
“We have BoatU.S. members who see the growth of wind farms as a positive fishing benefit, while others have valid safety concerns,” says BoatU.S. Government Affairs Manager David Kennedy in a press release. “Regardless, boaters have a right to use these waters, so we’ll need a pragmatic solution to managing these shared resources. No matter which side you are on, Ohio wants to hear your comments.”
The Icebreaker Wind demonstration project is the country’s first freshwater offshore wind project. Currently, the plan includes six turbines producing 20.7 megawatts. If these initial turbines are successful, the plan could expand to build more than 1,000 wind turbines on the lake.
Boaters can express their thoughts in a form on the PUCO website. Go to opsb.ohio.gov/Contact-Us and fill in the form. On the form “company name” field, enter: “Icebreaker Wind Project Case no. 16-1871-EL-BGN Icebreaker Windpower.”
Learn more about the project at leedco.org/icebreaker.
