LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – While Republicans say the move takes away local zoning control and approval for cities and townships, Michigan Senate Democrats Wednesday passed House bills they say will simplify the approval process for building large-scale renewable energy projects.
The House Bills 5120 and 5121, called the Clean Energy and Jobs Act, work in complement with the Senate’s Clean Energy Future legislation, Senate Bills 271, 273, and 502.
State Senator Sean McCann of Kalamazoo is the Chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, and says the legislation will address climate change concerns of Michigan residents.
“These bills are an essential component to pursuing and achieving a clean energy future in Michigan, diversifying our economy, supporting workers, farmers and consumers, and making Michigan a national leader on clean energy, all while enhancing personal property rights for landowners who want the freedom to decide what to do with their land while upholding public and community input and authority.”
Republican State Representative Matt Hall of Richland Township last week said the legislation would give the Michigan Public Service Commission authority to approve green energy projects, which he says takes away local communities’ discretion over the placement of wind turbines and solar farms.
