MUSKEGON, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – It’s been about three years that Lakeside Solar LLC has been working to get their solar project off the ground in White River Township in Muskegon County. They have already invested more than $1.6 million into the project so far including paying for environmental surveys, permits, landowner payments and other expenses.
Lakeside Solar LLC, a project of National Grid Renewables, a renewable energy company based in Minnesota, filed a lawsuit against the township on February 28th in U.S. District Court in conjunction to what they deem to be violations of the Open Meetings and Freedom of Information acts.
The company alleges that their 1,700-acre solar project on the west side of the state on the shore of Lake Michigan has been stalled by the township. The local government is now facing nine counts including complaints about the six-month moratorium on solar energy projects that was approved by the township board in January.
According to the lawsuit, the company says that the moratorium was illegal and that the township’s planning commission violated their own ordinance by not reviewing or holding a public hearing on their proposal.
The lawsuit says that Lakeside Solar have been denied their constitutionally guaranteed due process and they’re asking the court to order the township to remove the moratorium. They are also requesting that the court promptly considers the special land use application for the solar project. In addition, they seek reimbursement of an unspecified amount of attorney’s fees, costs and damages.
Lakeside Solar wants to place solar panels on large areas of properties in White River Township that they say will generate up to 200 megawatts of energy. They also state that the energy generated will be connected to the electric grid at the Du Pont – Cobb Transmission Line. Their website touts that “Lakeside Solar is anticipated to positively impact the environment, as well as the local economy by producing tax revenue, jobs, and contributions through a charitable fund.” The project is listed as having at least a 25-year lifespan.
An anti-solar citizen opposition group called “Stop Industrial Solar in White River Township” has emerged after finding out about the solar project.
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Melissa Lorenz, the administrator of the group’s Facebook page, says the project will “completely disrupt wildlife moving through these areas” and that it will be completely fenced, destroying the “character” of the township. She contends that it will be placed along a migratory path for birds and will emit an electromagnetic field which will “potentially affect all the homes alongside the fields.”
Supporters of the project include the White Lake Area Climate Action Council and the group Reviving Our American Democracy (ROAD).
National Grid Renewables operates two other solar projects in Michigan – Temperance Solar in Monroe County and Bingham Solar in Clinton County. Combined, they produce 40 megawatts of energy and they have power purchase agreements with Consumers Energy. The company hopes to have the White River Township solar project operating by 2025. Lakeside Solar did not respond to a request for comment about the lawsuit by press time.
