State Rep. Ann Bollin today highlighted two upcoming opportunities for people to weigh in on the new state law that strips away local control over large-scale wind and solar projects.

Bollin, R-Brighton Township, voted against the controversial plan, which gives the Michigan Public Service Commission the ability to force wind and solar farms on local communities with little regard for residents’ concerns or long-established zoning ordinances.

“I have spoken with many people in our community who are very concerned about the loss of local control,” Bollin said. “They don’t want massive wind and solar farms popping up in their neighborhood after state officials rubber-stamp it without any regard for local input. These hearings could be the last opportunity for the public to weigh in on policies and procedures that will have a huge impact on our communities down the road.”

House Bill 5120 – now Public Act 233 of 2023 – was approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor along partisan lines. The MPSC is now holding “engagement sessions” to take public comment regarding the details of how the new law will be implemented.

The first two sessions will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, and Tuesday, March 19. The virtual meetings will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Details on how to join the meetings are available here or at michigan.gov/mpsc under the calendar of events.

According to the MPSC, topics of discussion will include application filing guidelines, application fees, use of consultants, pre-application consultations, the development of compatible renewable energy ordinances, and other issues that arise during the process.

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