SE Grand Rapids News

State Representative Gina Johnsen has led the successful passage of a legislative plan that aims to return the control of zoning for large-scale wind and solar projects to local communities in Michigan. The proposed bills, numbered 4027 and 4028, would transfer zoning and permitting authority from the Michigan Public Service Commission back to local governments.

Johnsen, a Republican from Portland, emphasized the importance of local decision-making in land use matters. "These bills mark an important step forward in restoring local control over zoning decisions for large-scale wind, solar, and energy storage developments," she stated. She stressed that communities, rather than "unelected bureaucrats in Lansing," should have the final authority in these decisions.

Prior to the recent laws, local governments had the power to approve such projects, a power removed by legislative Democrats in 2023 when they passed energy laws according to Johnsen's statement. These laws gave the Michigan Public Service Commission authority over the projects, a move criticized by Johnsen as undermining community uniqueness and giving precedence to statewide mandates.

"Statewide mandates disregard the uniqueness of our communities," Johnsen expressed, adding her disapproval of imposing projects without local approval. "Forcing industrial-scale projects without local consent is just wrong. We cannot let the state treat our land like a dumping ground for corporate energy interests."

She also highlighted the need to protect local governments from being sidelined in decision-making processes, emphasizing that the current legislative move represents merely the beginning of efforts to restore local authority.

"The fight is not over, but the passage of this plan is a critical first step to restoring local control and ensuring no local government is forced to sit on their hands while their treasured land is replaced with Chinese solar panels," Johnsen concluded.