The Board of State Canvassers has unanimously approved the 100-word summary for a petition initiative to repeal the law enacted late last year that gives siting control for large-scale solar and wind projects to the Michigan Public Service Commission.
The Citizens for Local Choice group is leading the effort, with plans to collect the 356,958 valid signatures needed by May 29 in order for the proposal to be placed on the November 2024 general election ballot.
“If enacted, this proposal will allow local units of government to continue determining their own standards regarding setback distance, structure height, and the amount of light and sound emitted by energy facilities,” said Michigan Farm Bureau Government Relations Specialist Matt Kapp. “It would also allow them to exercise final authority over the construction of energy facilities within their jurisdictions.”
Kapp added that the organization is reviewing the proposal and has not yet taken a position.
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The language approved by the Board of State Canvassers on Jan. 19 reads:
Initiation of legislation to: amend the clean and renewable energy and energy waste reduction act by eliminating the requirement that applicants undergo state certification before construction of certain wind and solar energy facilities and energy storage facilities. Under current law, in addition to local approval, applicants for construction of these facilities must obtain state certification, which requires meeting state requirements, including: an application fee; public comment; assessment of environmental, natural resources, and farmland impact; wages and benefits requirements for workers; setback distance; size and height of structures; and amount of light and sound emitted.
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