From Bridge Michigan:
Wind turbine farms have caused local controversies throughout Michigan. After a Senate vote Wednesday, permitting power for the projects will likely soon shift from local communities to the state’s Public Service Commission. (Bridge file photo)
- The Senate Wednesday approved bills to shift permitting authority over wind, solar developments to the state
- The bills are expected to gain Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature
- The effort comes in response to local pushback against wind and solar developments that have slowed Michigan’s transition to green energy
Michigan lawmakers approved another major change to the state’s energy policy on Wednesday, passing a two-bill package that would let state regulators override local decisions about where to allow large-scale wind and solar arrays.
The bills, which pitted environmentalists against local government advocates, passed narrowly along party lines, 20 to 18, with unanimous support from the Senate Democratic majority. The measures will soon head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk, where she is expected to sign them.
“We are setting an example for the rest of the nation on how to navigate the deeply complex realm of energy policy in a way that promotes affordability and reliability, drives job creation and honors the role we must play in mitigating climate change,” Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, said just before the vote.
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