South Michigan News

State Representative Sarah Lightner has emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping the implementation of new state laws concerning wind and solar projects. Rep. Lightner expressed her concerns about the legislation that removes local control over large-scale renewable energy projects, stating, “I voted against this because I know people in our community don’t want the state to come in and force us to accept massive wind and solar facilities where they don’t belong.”

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is now seeking public input on the details of how the new law, House Bill 5120 – now Public Act 233 of 2023, will be executed. Rep. Lightner stressed the significance of community involvement in the decision-making process, asserting that local townships should have a role in determining the placement of wind and solar farms. She added, “It’s important to make our voices heard.”

The MPSC has scheduled two “engagement sessions” to gather feedback on various aspects of the law's implementation. The virtual meetings, set for Thursday, March 7, and Tuesday, March 19, will cover topics such as application filing guidelines, application fees, and the development of compatible renewable energy ordinances. Detailed information on how to participate in the sessions can be found on michigan.gov/mpsc.

The MPSC's initiative aims to address concerns raised by Rep. Lightner and other stakeholders regarding the potential impact of the new legislation on local communities. By encouraging public input, the MPSC seeks to ensure that the interests and perspectives of residents are considered in the decision-making process related to wind and solar siting laws.