SE Grand Rapids News

In a recent legislative session, State Representative Pat Outman supported a Republican proposal to return control over zoning and permitting decisions for large-scale solar and wind projects to local governments. The legislation, consisting of House Bills 4027-28, passed the House along party lines.

The current law, enacted by Democrats in 2023, grants the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) power to override local zoning choices. Under the proposed bills, local communities would regain authority over these decisions, allowing them to manage large-scale energy projects similarly to other local matters.

Representative Outman addressed his colleagues, emphasizing the impact of these projects on rural residents, stating, "Neighbors in rural communities like mine are the ones who live near these projects and are affected by the loss of farmland, the changes to rural landscapes, the glare, the noise, and the impact on local wildlife. It’s their property values, schools, roads, and emergency services that are affected. They shouldn’t be forced to accept one-size-fits-all decisions made miles away by people who will never set foot in the affected community."

The proposal has garnered significant support from local residents and officials, who recently gathered in Lansing to express their endorsement of restored local power over energy project decisions. Outman further remarked on the importance of local governance in such matters, stating, "Alternative energy is not truly sustainable if it’s built on the erosion of local democracy. Local governments know their communities better than Lansing bureaucrats. It’s time to restore their authority wind and solar projects."

The proposed plan will now advance to the Senate for further debate and assessment.