Abstract
In 2008, Michigan passed a Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires that electricity providers generate at least 10% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2015. Michigan’s utility companies consider wind energy to be the most cost-‐effective, scalable means of meeting this target. Wind power has the potential to reduce Michigan’s reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, and thus could offer many benefits for people and the environment. However, all forms of electricity generation have some impact. In this issue brief, we summarize the available science about how onshore wind farms might affect human health, with the goal of helping communities anticipate, evaluate and manage their development options. Three issues are examined: the potential negative impacts of wind turbine shadow flicker and noise, and the potential benefits of improved air quality.