A Michigan House committee has advanced legislation that would strip local governments of permitting control over some renewable energy projects.
State Representative Pauline Wendzel tells us under the package approved Wednesday, a state agency would take precedence over local entities when it comes to large wind and solar projects.
“The Michigan Public Service Commission would have complete control over this,” Wendzel said. “The local government — counties, townships, cities — would have no say. They could just rubber stamp and put these wherever they see as a best for for our community.”
Wendzel says the House Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee heard from plenty of groups opposed to the change. She believes Democrats are pushing the legislation through at the urging of Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
“We know for a fact that this is the governor’s, one of her top priorities now because she needs this on her resume for whatever she’s running for next.”
Wendzel says these decisions should be left up to local authorities. She believes the charge toward renewable energy is going too fast and threatening the reliability of the grid.
