North Michigan News

State Rep. Cam Cavitt on Thursday pledged his support for State Sen. Michele Hoitenga’s effort to repeal solar and wind siting legislation passed by Lansing Democrats last November. The legislation introduced by Hoitenga last week seeks to repeal provisions granting siting authority to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

The MPSC is a three-member board composed of governor appointees. The current law, which grants the MPSC siting authority, prevents local governments from blocking large-scale solar or wind projects.

“It makes sense that Democrats don’t see the harm in government rubber stamping a solar and wind takeover of Northeast Michigan — it won’t affect them,” said Cavitt, R-Cheboygan. “They’re perfectly happy shipping their wind turbines and solar panels way up north so our communities can be left to pick up the pieces.”

With Democratic leadership controlling each branch of government, it is unlikely that the repeal plan will progress through the legislative process. However, Cavitt emphasized that the effort will continue beyond the current legislative term.

“This siting repeal effort should be viewed as a promise of things to come,” Cavitt said. “People across our state are really upset about the Democrats’ blatant willingness to grow government and cut out local representation. I’m right on the frontlines of this fight. I come from local government, and I know how damaging it can be when state government always thinks it knows best. I don’t care how long it takes. I’ll stay in this fight until we reverse this clear government overreach and restore local control.”