Landowners could receive more wind energy lease rights

By Kate Hessling, Tribune Staff Writer

Huron Daily Tribune

Published: Monday, September 29, 2008 11:25 AM EDT

  LANSING — Aimed at protecting landowners, new legislation recently introduced in the state House would give those who sign a wind energy lease up to 14 business days to cancel the agreement without penalty.

“As the Thumb moves forward as Michigan’s leader in the wind energy industry, it’s important that every landowner make their own informed decision about whether leasing their land is right for them,” said State Rep. Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) in a statement issued Sunday.

 “Many farmers and others are very happy with wind energy and enjoy the thousands of dollars a year they receive from it,” added Brown, who introduced the legislation and is a member of the House Energy and Technology Committee. “However, anyone who feels pressured to sign a lease should insist on taking all the time they need to decide. My plan provides an additional protection of letting landowners cancel the lease within 14 business days.”

The plan would require every wind energy lease to include a statement that the landowner may cancel the lease without any penalty or obligation within 14 business days from the date of signing it.

To ensure landowners are aware of this right, the plan requires that the statement be printed in slightly larger text than the lease itself and be printed near where they sign. A landowner only would have to provide written notice to the wind energy company to cancel the lease.

Brown emphasized that residents considering a wind energy lease should always consult with a qualified attorney and have that person review the contract. Farmers and landowners also should talk with their neighbors about the type of offers they have been receiving. The local lawmaker encourages anyone considering a wind energy lease to visit his website, www.house.mi.gov/tbrown, and download a wind energy lease worksheet created by Michigan State University experts and recommended by the Michigan Farm Bureau.

“Demand for wind energy is going to increase dramatically across Michigan , which puts the Thumb in a great position to benefit,” Brown said. “I am working hard to make sure that our farmers, landowners, workers and communities reap the maximum economic rewards of wind and other renewable sources of energy plentiful here in the Thumb.”

“By attracting responsible developers and spurring economic development, we can create good-paying jobs and get our economy going again,” he added.

Kate Hessling • (989) 269-6461 • khessling@hearstnp.com