State Senator John Damoose | Michigan House Republicans
State Senator John Damoose | Michigan House Republicans
State legislators in Northern Michigan are urging the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reconsider its plans for a solar panel project that would replace over 400 acres of forest near Gaylord. The proposal has drawn criticism from State Sen. John Damoose and State Reps. Parker Fairbairn and John Roth, who argue that such projects compromise wildlife habitats and rely on unproven green energy technologies.
Senator Damoose expressed his concerns, stating, “I think this is a terrible idea. We don’t even know how well solar works in an environment like ours, but we do know it would take hundreds of years to regrow a forest like this.” He emphasized the need to focus on reliable energy solutions rather than what he described as "a feel-good public relations stunt."
The controversy follows legislative actions in 2023 when Democrats passed laws mandating 100% clean energy by 2040. These laws granted the Michigan Public Service Commission authority over green energy projects, limiting local communities' control over wind turbines and solar farms.
Representative Fairbairn criticized the administration's approach: “As the administration’s appointed stewards of our lands, waters and resources, the DNR needs to ensure that the best interest of Michigan’s residents is at the heart of everything they do.” He accused the administration of disregarding local input in favor of political goals.
Concerns have also been raised about potential economic impacts. An expert analysis suggests that new regulations could nearly double average monthly electric bills due to increased reliance on wind and solar power.
Representative Roth added his voice against state involvement in such initiatives: “If private companies want to invest their money in green energy, so be it. But the state should not be treating our wildlife like poker chips they can trade in exchange for solar panels.”
The lawmakers are calling for an immediate halt to these projects, urging a return to protecting natural resources as per DNR's original mandate.
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