North Michigan News

State Representative Ken Borton of Gaylord announced his support for legislative bills aimed at restoring local control over large-scale wind and solar projects.

Currently, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) holds authority over the approval processes for these projects, a power attributed to green energy laws enacted in 2023 by legislative Democrats.

Borton remarked on the issue, stating: “When these oppressive laws first passed, I described the situation as ‘Democrats pressing their green boots into the throats of Northern Michigan.’ The committee passage of these bills is the first step toward prying that boot off." He further emphasized the significance of local autonomy: “Local control is the oxygen that feeds communities across the state. The ability to manage our elections, make taxing decisions, decide what’s best for our communities, and govern ourselves is the lifeblood that keeps us going. Democrats stripped a major portion of that away, and now we’re taking it back."

Prior to these laws, local approval was mandatory for potential renewable energy projects, allowing for public discourse on their impact. These discussions were led by community leaders and residents who would be directly affected by the projects.

The legislation, House Bills 4027 and 4028, seeks to return zoning and permitting powers to local governments, removing the authority of non-elected officials from approving projects in areas they may not have visited.

The bills have passed the House Energy Committee and will be reviewed on the House floor next.