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Michigan’s new law shifts control of solar, wind farm development from local to state
Credit: "Thumb officials oppose new wind/solar laws." Shawn Robinson. Dec. 26, 2023. michigansthumb.com ~~
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In a significant policy change, Michigan townships have lost their ability to self-govern land use and development methods for solar and wind farms, following the implementation of a new law signed last month.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law the Clean Energy & Climate Action Package, which is intended to help fight against climate change but will also take away local control over wind and solar farms across the state. The new law will allow the state to have full control and approve large wind, solar, and energy proposals despite the local authoritys’ word.
The Clean Energy and Climate Action Package will make Michigan the national leader with a 100% clean energy standard, help lower household utility costs, create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and protect Michigan’s air, water, and public health, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
“I am proud that these bills make Michigan the best state in the Midwest for climate action and the strongest state in the nation when it comes to labor standards for clean energy production,” Whitmer said in the release. “Together we are fighting for our air, land, and water, improving public health and protecting our precious natural resources for future generations.”
Although the new bill may help the state and its natural resources in the long run, many Thumb officials disagree with the ultimate decision. Back in October when the bill was passed through the state senate, Thumb counties made their statement clear, that they did not indeed agree with the decision. Four Tuscola County commissioners signed the resolution opposing the law, stating that the Michigan Public Service Commission should not be allowed all of this authority and power, and it should stay within the townships.
In addition, Huron County Commissioner Steve Vaughn stated similar thoughts earlier this year during a commissioner’s meeting. He stated that the Public Service Commission should not be allowed to tell counties and townships how to be zoned.
The Tuscola County Drain Commission has also gone on record stating its concern about the impact large-scale solar development will have on farmland as they would take several thousands of farms out of crop production.
The MSPC would have full control over where these installations of wind and solar developments. The organization says that it only plans to use existing local land that has already been used for energy generation.
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