LANSING, MI (WTVB)- State Rep. Jennifer Wortz and the Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a plan to restore local control and reverse the state takeover of siting decisions for wind and solar farms.
House Bills 4027 and 4028 would repeal a pair of 2023 laws authorizing the three-member Michigan Public Service Commission to override local zoning and approve large-scale wind and solar energy projects against the will of community residents. Wortz. R-Quincy, said the plan would restore people’s voices in their communities.
Wortz says “A few years ago, Democrat politicians in Lansing passed ridiculous green energy mandates and stripped away local control,” . Three unelected state bureaucrats in Lansing shouldn’t get to rubber-stamp huge wind and solar farms in our communities. Michigan should put those decisions back in the hands of local residents. That’s what the people I serve in Hillsdale County, Branch County, and Hudson want. And that’s what people in communities across Michigan want. Citizens deserve to have their voices heard and respected.”
The 2023 state takeover of wind and solar siting was part of a larger overhaul of Michigan energy laws. The controversial changes mandating 100% “clean” energy by 2040 will shut down existing natural gas power plants and, according to one study, could double monthly power bills.
Michigan currently has about 17,000 acres occupied by wind and solar operations, and rural areas across the state are expected to bear the brunt of expanded siting going forward. Wortz said restoring local control over wind and solar projects is an important first step.
HBs 4027 and 4028 now advance to the Senate for consideration.
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