State Rep. Tom Kunse today encouraged public participation in two upcoming meetings to consider rule implementation for a new state law that strips away local control over large-scale wind and solar projects.

Kunse voted against the controversial plan, which gives the Michigan Public Service Commission authority to supersede local zoning ordinances when considering applications for wind and solar farms. The MPSC is made up of three unelected bureaucrats appointed by the governor, leaving them with no mandate to consider residents’ concerns over perspective wind and solar projects.

“If enough people show up, the public has an opportunity to really shape how solar siting rules are implemented across the state,” said Kunse, R-Clare. “It’s imperative folks get involved and make their voices heard. Democrats steamrolled and ignored rural Michigan last fall. These meetings give us another chance to make an impact before these dangerous new policies are implemented in our communities.”

While 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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