State Representative Jaime Greene, a Republican from Richmond, has strongly criticized House Bill 5120-5123, recently introduced by House Democrats, which seeks to diminish local communities’ control over the development of large-scale solar and wind energy projects.
The proposed legislation would transfer the authority to permit such projects to the unelected Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), sidelining local governments. The MPSC, comprised of governor appointees, has received support from the governor for a plan to expand wind and solar farms in rural areas.
Greene argues that this move would infringe upon local residents’ rights to have a say in developments occurring in their communities, potentially undermining environmental, economic, and quality-of-life concerns. The proposed bill has faced significant opposition from communities across Michigan, and many local boards and voters have rejected similar initiatives in the past.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
