TRAVERSE CITY (AP) -- The Obama administration and five states have agreed to speed up approval of offshore wind farms in the Great Lakes.
There are no wind turbines in the lakes at present. Proposals have met fierce opposition from people worried the structures would ruin views and harm the environment.
Under the deal, federal and state agencies will develop a plan to speed regulatory review of proposed offshore wind farms. Officials say the projects would have to meet safety and environmental standards.
States that signed the deal include Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania.
Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin declined.
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