If you think the debate over plans to build a tires-to-energy plant on the Lake Erie shore has been intense, brace yourself for what could be an even more caustic battle over the possibility of wind farms on the Great Lakes.

The Washington Post reports on the early efforts to develop offshore wind farms in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

And I remember hearing similar ideas floated for Erie’s Lake Erie shoreline years ago.

Writes Post reporter Kari Lydersen:

Last week a task force chaired by the Cuyahoga County prosecutor released an installment in an ongoing $1 million feasibility study giving the project a green light on geologic and wind-potential grounds. If the study continues to yield positive findings, construction of two to 10 wind turbines and a research station could start in about two years.

“We believe we are in a race to be first in the Great Lakes, and by doing so, the pilot project will blaze a trail for economic opportunities for the area,” said Ryan Miday, spokesman for the task force. “This is about making this area a hub for wind energy that brings in other supply-chain component manufacturers. It’s a vision of creating a new industry in this area centered around wind.”

Meanwhile, Wisconsin is exploring three offshore wind projects, with public comment periods in progress, according to the state Public Service Commission.

If recent history is a guide, such an effort would meet with huge resistance from environmentalists and from those who don’t want to see their waterfront views obstructed by massive wind turbines.

Plans to build turbines off of Cape Cod, for instance, have been at the center of a major controversy.

You can bet any plans for a farm would meet similar resistance here.

Contrary to those who believe that Erie folks are alone in their protests about proposed developments, such protest isn’t anti-development. It’s part of the American process.

A major change to the Lake Erie shoreline should be debated before it happens — not after it’s too late.

That is what is happening with the Erie Renewable Energy proposal.

If that plan does ultimately get approved, it will happen only after the public has had a say.

That said, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the potential for wind energy in the Great Lakes. Is it an idea worth pursuing? Is it a necessity for fulfilling the region’s long-term energy needs? Will it create more harm than good? Is it too soon to tell?

Let’s get the debate started.