The Great Lakes Wind Council, created by Executive Order No. 2009-1, served as an advisory body within the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth to examine issues and make recommendations related to offshore wind development in Michigan. The 29-member council consisted of key state agency representatives and stakeholders appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. 

On September 1, 2009, the council issued its first report to Governor Granholm. The report identified a set of 22 criteria to identify the most and least desirable areas for offshore wind energy development in Michigan’s  Great Lakes.

On October 8, 2009, Governor Granholm issued Executive Order 2009-46 which charged the council to continue its work by identifying and mapping potential leasing areas for offshore wind energy development, providing guidance on model legislation governing such development, and informing and engaging the public on offshore wind energy development issues. The Executive Order extended the service of the council until December 31, 2010.

The council’s final report was submitted to the governor in October 2010.  According to the report, 35 percent of the 38,000 square miles of state-owned Great Lakes bottomlands, or 13,339 square miles, are considered to be most favorable to the sustainable development of offshore wind energy. Five priority areas were identified. Known as wind resource areas , or WRAs, they are located in southern Lake Michigan near Berrien County, northern Lake Michigan near Delta County, central Lake Superior near Alger County, central Lake Huron (out from Saginaw Bay), and southern Lake Huron near Sanilac County. The council’s report also recommends a package of legislative and rule changes to help guide the development of offshore wind energy going forward. Recommended changes would facilitate the permitting, leasing, construction, and monitoring of offshore wind projects while protecting natural resources.