In 2022, a proposal for a 75-turbine wind farm in Montcalm County, Michigan was rejected by local voters, resulting in the recall of seven officials who had backed the project.

Approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) to the southeast, Clara Ostrander of Monroe County faced a similar struggle when increasing healthcare expenses led her and her spouse to contemplate selling their family’s land, which they have possessed for 150 years.

Renting out a plot of land for a new solar farm could benefit the property, but nearby residents expressed strong opposition, leading the township to alter its regulations in order to prevent the project from moving forward.

She stated that there are individuals in this community whom she will never communicate with again.

A study conducted by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University found that in Michigan, local limitations have disrupted over 25 large-scale renewable energy initiatives as of May last year. Across the country, a minimum of 228 restrictions in 35 states have been implemented to halt the development of sustainable energy projects.

The disputes have impeded numerous states’ ambitious schedules for shifting towards more environmentally friendly energy generation, with the ultimate objective of eradicating carbon emissions within the following twenty years.

Multiple states, including Michigan, are attempting to disrupt the decision-making procedure by gaining the ability to override local limitations and granting state authorities the authority to authorize or reject locations for large-scale utility projects.

The change has caused a negative response from politicians, which could intensify as additional states aim to streamline the process of obtaining approval and constructing renewable energy projects.

According to Dan Scripps, who serves as the chair of Michigan’s Public Service Commission, it is not acceptable to veto projects that are crucial for our state’s energy security based solely on local issues.

Under a new law approved by Michigan legislators and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Scripps and two other members of the commission have been granted the authority to choose the locations for large renewable energy initiatives within the state.

Michigan has joined Connecticut, New York, Oregon, and Minnesota in mandating that utility companies switch to producing 100% electricity from carbon-free sources by 2040. Rhode Island is aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2033. These targets align with the Biden administration’s goal of achieving carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. Some states have had lower goals in place for a longer period of time.

However, numerous local authorities argue that granting states the authority to place large-scale energy developments goes against fundamental American political values. These officials assert that local government officials are the primary representatives of and most directly responsible to the general public. They believe this is particularly crucial in regards to land usage and determining the proximity of construction to residential areas.

The moratorium on commercial solar and wind projects in Osage County, Kansas was put in place in 2022 following numerous hearings. County Commissioner Jay Bailey stated that this decision was based on the worries of the majority of residents. Despite the multiple discussions and meetings, he still felt that he lacked sufficient knowledge about the impact of large turbines and solar farms.

He explained the distinction by saying, “Once you give permission, you cannot reverse it. However, if you do not give permission, you have the option to change it at any time.”

In some regions, like the Flint Hills of Kansas, where the majority of the country’s tall grass prairie is located, halts on energy initiatives are driven by worries about the environment.

Despite the limitations in certain areas of Kansas, there has been a significant growth in renewable energy. Currently, wind farms supply 47% of the state’s power, a significant increase from the 7% in 2010. This progress is the result of persistent efforts by the clean energy industry to combat resistance from the Republican-dominated Legislature.

According to Elise Caplan, the vice president for regulatory affairs at the nonprofit American Council on Renewable Energy, regulations that limit green energy facilities are not founded on scientific evidence. She also mentioned that these projects can have a positive impact on the local environment by replacing fossil fuel-powered generating plants.

Michigan has been making strides towards achieving its clean energy objectives by quickly constructing facilities on vast areas of farmland. This decision has the potential to create divisions within rural communities, as seen in the case of Monroe County where Ostrander attempted to rent land for a solar farm.

The passage of Michigan’s new siting legislation could potentially rejuvenate the project.

According to Ostrander, the decision to build was not imposed upon us. It was a choice we made in order to maintain our property within the family.

Michigan stands out for giving its over 1,200 townships the authority to create and enforce zoning laws. Out of the 83 counties in the state, 20 have implemented ordinances that impede or delay the construction of wind or solar projects.

Scripps, who leads Michigan’s Public Service Commission and has the authority to override these limitations, stated that an extra 209,000 acres (84,579 hectares) will be necessary for projects to achieve the state’s target of 60% renewable energy by 2035. This represents a significant jump from the current usage of 17,000 acres (6,880 hectares).

According to Scripps, developers must still obtain approval from local communities for their projects. However, if the project is rejected, but meets the state’s standards for moving forward, the commission of three people can override the local decision and authorize solar projects with a capacity of 50 megawatts or higher, as well as wind projects with a capacity of 100 megawatts.

In the state of Illinois, a law implemented in 2023 restricts the authority of local governments and prohibits them from imposing moratoriums on clean energy projects. A study conducted by Columbia University revealed that state boards or agencies in California, Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island have jurisdiction over the placement of these projects. In certain states such as Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Florida, and South Dakota, the state has the power to override local regulations.

Organizations representing local governments in Michigan are strongly against the recently passed legislation that grants the state authority to determine the location of projects, arguing that it imposes a generic and inflexible procedure. A coalition called Citizens for Local Choice, which includes four state legislators, declared in the beginning of January their intention to bring the matter to a vote by Michigan citizens in November. This would necessitate gathering approximately 357,000 signatures by May 29.

Those who support green energy are often bothered by the common reasons behind local pushback against projects: A reluctance to embrace change, false information being spread about wind turbines and solar panels, and a wish from city dwellers who relocate to rural regions to maintain their scenic views.

Josh Svaty, an advocate for renewable energy companies as they navigate county-level approval and lobbying efforts at the Kansas Statehouse, expresses frustration with how opponents can cause significant difficulties for local officials. Despite this, he remains committed to supporting local decision-making processes.

Svaty explained that both county and city governments are built to be easily reachable by their residents. This means that if you attend a planning and zoning meeting, you have the ability to voice your opinion.

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Hanna provided a report from Topeka, Kansas.

Source: wral.com