Legislation puts American jobs, energy freedom, and local control first

State Reps. Greg Markkanen and Angela Rigas have introduced the Maximizing American Grid Affordability (MAGA) Solar Act, a bold new energy policy designed to strengthen Michigan’s energy independence, defend local land use rights, and protect ratepayers from costly green energy mandates.

The legislation, House Bills 4590, sets a conservative path for responsible solar development in Michigan – capping the total amount of solar allowed statewide, requiring local zoning approval for all projects, and prohibiting the use of solar panels manufactured in hostile nations like China, North Korea, and Iran.

Markkanen, R-Hancock, called the plan “a true conservative alternative to radical energy mandates.”

“The MAGA Solar Act puts Michigan families, workers, and landowners first – without government coercion or foreign dependency,” Markkanen said. “This is what responsible solar looks like.”

With key provisions like a minimum 10% savings requirement for ratepayers, a ban on clear-cutting state forestland, and a focus on rooftop and agrivoltaics deployment, the MAGA Solar Act reflects conservative stewardship and market discipline.

“The MAGA Solar Act puts Michigan families and local communities first, not state mandates and red tape,” said Rigas, R-Caledonia. “Let the local homeowners decide if they want solar in their backyards, not unelected Lansing bureaucrats.” 

The legislation’s statewide cap on total solar deployment protects Michigan’s grid from instability and prevents a reckless overbuild of solar at the expense of ratepayers and reliability.

The plan was referred to the House Energy Committee for further consideration.