Michigan Republicans say they want to bring land use and zoning decisions back to the local hands for wind and solar power.
Republicans in the Michigan Legislature have introduced a bill designed to return zoning and land use decisions regarding the proposed green energy project to the community.
None of the seven Democrats on the committee responded to requests for comment at each publication time.
In 2023, shortly after Democrats controlled both chambers of the state legislature in the middle of 2022, they approved a law that relocated most of the proposed large-scale windmill and solar farm approval process to the Michigan State Public Service Commission (MPSC), a three-member panel appointed by Michigan Goven Whitmer.
Republicans quickly tried to reverse zoning regulations by regaining a majority in the House of Representatives in the November 2024 election.
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Whitmer did not respond to requests for comment by publication time.
“Local governments and residents know their area better than their states. …When unelected state officials come in and cast aside local opinions and imposing projects on the community, that’s an example of the government’s overreach textbook,” Alexander said.
Currently, the Green Energy Projects application can be brought directly to MPSC for a certificate of approval to bypass local zoning ordinances and to commence construction.
For records against the bill, there was the Michigan Public Services Commission, the Sierra Club and other environmental groups, several trade unions, the Solar Energy Industry Association and other Green Energy Companies, and the Women Voters League.
Michigan Rep. Greg Alexander, R-Carsonville; Courtesy of a Michigan Republican
Michigan’s roughly 17,000 acres of rural areas are occupied by wind and solar energy work.
Three counties in the Alexander area of the Thumbs region of eastern Michigan (Halong, Tascola and Sanilak) include almost 60% of the state’s wind turbines.
With more wind and solar projects in the pipeline, Alexander said he is concerned about “they change the entire landscape of the region” and “they are concerned about the property value, the viability of small businesses, the available farmland and many other elements of the community.”
“The community should be able to make that decision for itself,” he said.
Walt Badger, a Thumb Area resident and Republican Wart Township Supervisor, told the Epoch Times that the policy change in 2023 was “a terrible violation of civil rights and a blatant avoidance of accountability.”
“We can vote for local officials if local officials do not represent the greatest interests of our community. We cannot hold the Michigan Public Service Commission accountable.”
Badjau, who is also a member of the Sanilak County Health Board, cited the possibility of leaching of toxic chemicals from solar panels as a legitimate local concern that can be broadcast more easily at City Hall than at Lansing’s MPSC office.
“I absolutely support the bill, but I don’t know if they’ll clear the Democratic-controlled Senate or if they pass, they’ll be signed by the governor,” Badgerow said.
