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North Michigan News

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Lawmakers demand answers over proposed solar farm in state forest

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State Rep. Ken Borton | Michigan House Republicans

State Rep. Ken Borton | Michigan House Republicans

State Representative Ken Borton, alongside 52 other lawmakers from both Republican and Democrat parties, has called for accountability from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding a proposed solar farm near Gaylord. The project would involve clearing 420 acres of state forest to make way for solar panels.

Borton expressed strong opposition to the plan, stating, “Any person who thinks swapping trees for solar panels is a good idea has no business being employed by the department tasked with responsibly managing and protecting our natural resources.” He further criticized DNR staff, suggesting either negligence or corruption in their decision-making process.

Following public backlash, RWE Clean Energy decided not to pursue expansion onto the state forest. Initially, they had requested that the DNR make the land available for solar farm installations.

The bipartisan group of legislators also urged the DNR to disclose information about other instances where public land might be leased for private green-energy projects. Since details of the Gaylord proposal emerged, Borton reported receiving numerous messages expressing concerns about similar initiatives elsewhere.

Borton emphasized ongoing efforts to investigate such projects: “The curtain is coming down on these terrible ideas and House Republicans aren’t going to stop digging until we uncover every single place the DNR plans to kill wildlife to further the radical green energy agenda.”

The controversy surrounding this project was brought to light by Mlive's reporting. However, attempts by reporters to obtain more information through a Freedom of Information Act request have been obstructed by the DNR since October.

“The cat is out of the bag, and it’s not happy,” Borton commented on the situation. He urged transparency from the DNR regarding their plans.

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