LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Last Friday, the Board of State Canvassers approved the language of a petition to put control of wind and solar projects back in the hands of local government instead of the state. The Ballot Campaign Committee “Citizens for Local Choice” got approval from the State Board of Canvassers for their petition that, if approved by voters, would repeal Democratic legislation pushed through in November of 2023.

That legislation, now known as Public Act 233 of 2023, put the approval of Michigan wind and solar projects in the hands of three unelected Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) members who are appointed by the governor. Instead of localities, these commissioners have the authority to approve or deny projects.

Why state government took over control of wind and solar projects.

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 The legislation was in response to townships, cities and counties who were pushing back against solar and wind projects in their communities. Because the Whitmer administration’s clean energy agenda was running into too many roadblocks, the Democratic legislators decided there was a need for legislation that would stop the 1800 jurisdictions in the state from stopping their green energy plans for Michigan to produce all its energy from clean sources by 2040.

Citizens for Local Choice, a bipartisan group of individuals to restore voters’ rights in land use decisions for industrial wind and solar operations, got to work on a ballot initiative that the citizens of Michigan could vote on to take their land control back.

A majority of Michiganders want local control over wind and solar projects.

 With a poll showing that 71% of Michiganders are opposed to the Democratic legislation that was signed into law that allows the state to takeover siting and permitting for wind and solar facilities, the petition was written to give the voters of Michigan a say in what happens in their own neighborhoods – giving them back the right to legislate their own rules and decide which projects they want to move forward.

What is needed to get initiative on the ballot this November?

According to Tri City Times, Citizens for Local Choice will need to collect 356,958 valid signatures by May 29th to get the petition on the November ballot. That means they have about 180 days to collect those signatures. Otherwise, the initiative could be pushed back to November 2026.

They go on to say that once the signatures are gathered “the petition would then go to the Legislature, which would have 40 days to adopt the proposal, approve a competing proposal and send both to the November ballot, or take no action, which would send the initiative to the ballot.”

Why is local control needed?

Kevon Martis, spokesperson for Citizens for Local Choice and Lenawee County Commissioner says, “This entire effort has been about restoring local voices when it comes to wind and solar operations being placed in their communities.”

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Martis continues, “We are grateful to the Board of Canvassers for their timely adherence to our petition and we are ready to move forward to secure the necessary signatures to be placed on the ballot.”

What does the petition say?

The petition language that was agreed upon by both parties and was approved by the State Board of Canvassers states:

“Initiation of legislation to: amend the clean and renewable energy and energy waste reduction act by repealing statewide requirements for the construction and development of certain wind and solar energy facilities, including: 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. If enacted, this proposal would allow local units of government to determine their own standards for such facilities.”

Bipartisan voices speak out about the ballot initiative.

Bipartisan township officials across the state have weighed in on the ballot initiative and petition drive:

Joe Boogren, life-long Democrat from the U.P. and a retired 32 year Veteran says, “Michigan has been a leader in the Midwest with respect to renewable energy development and that has been accomplished with local control. Clearly, we do not need the state telling locals where wind turbines and solar panels will be going in our communities – we are doing just fine, and I’m confident we will continue to lead the region in future developments”

Citizens for Local Choice spokesperson, Norm Stephens, shares, “My community’s voice has been completely taken away with the legislation that passed and this is why I am involved. Like thousands of others in our state, I believe local communities know what is best for them, not bureaucrats in Lansing.”

Dave La Montaine, Riga Township trustee, U.S Marine Corps veteran and retired Deputy Sheriff.  says, “This ballot effort will restore local voices that never should have been ignored and disregarded in the first place. I am looking forward to working every day to gather signatures to ensure this gets on the 2024 ballot.”

For those wishing to sign a petition and participate in the effort, additional details can be found at www.micitizenschoice.org.