Battle Creek Times

State Representative Steve Frisbie and the Michigan House of Representatives have approved legislation aimed at reinstating local authority over the siting of wind and solar energy projects. The legislation, contained in House Bills 4027 and 4028, seeks to overturn laws enacted in 2023 that gave the Michigan Public Service Commission the power to approve large-scale renewable energy projects without local community consent.

Frisbie, a Republican from Battle Creek, highlighted the need for local communities to have a say in such significant projects. "Local communities deserve the right to determine their own futures, especially when it comes to significant projects like wind and solar farms," said Frisbie. "People in Calhoun County and throughout Michigan are tired of Lansing bureaucrats overriding their concerns and forcing these projects into their backyards. Today’s vote honors my promises to stand up for our local communities against Lansing overreach."

The original laws were part of a broader initiative for achieving 100% clean energy by 2040, a plan that faced criticism for potentially increasing electricity costs for Michigan residents. Rural areas, in particular, voiced concerns about the swift expansion of renewable energy projects without sufficient local input.

Frisbie pointed to the economic implications of the mandates, stating, "Michigan families and businesses are already facing high energy bills. We don’t need additional burdens caused by hastily implemented green mandates. Restoring local control is essential—not only to protect community interests but also to avoid unnecessary financial strain on residents across our state."

The bills will now move to the Senate for further examination.