North Michigan News

State Representative Cam Cavitt has voted in favor of reassigning local control over large-scale wind and solar projects, a decision that recently passed the House along party lines. The initiative aims to restore the power of local governments in decision-making, which is currently held by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) following the legislative actions of 2023.

Cavitt expressed his views on the subject, stating, "Lansing Democrats and progressive environmentalists want you to believe that local officials were why they couldn’t get their renewable energy projects approved. What they don’t tell you they just have terrible projects that no one wants in their backyards."

The proposed legislative changes are encapsulated in House Bills 4027-4028. These bills propose to shift zoning and permitting authority from the MPSC back to local governing bodies. Cavitt emphasized the previous role of local governments as essential in protecting community interests.

"We need to give local officials the power to stand up for their communities again," Cavitt commented. "Before this whole mess of green energy legislation passed, our local governments were the only check we had against reckless developments and bad projects. These new laws silenced our communities that were trying to protect farmland, preserve wildlife, and plan for long-term sustainability. Restoring zoning and permitting authority takes the muzzle off local governments across Michigan. These folks are trying to fight for their communities, and state government shouldn’t be standing in their way."

The bills will now proceed to the Senate for further evaluation and decision-making.