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Michigan State Rep. Alexander Introduces House Bill (Regional)
Brawk Cole
Fri, 31 Jan 2025 12:52:53 EST
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State Rep. Greg Alexander, of Carsonville, introducing House Bills 4027-28 at State Capitol click on the picture to enlarge |
Brawk Cole
In a release from the office of state Rep. Greg Alexander, new legislation has been introduced on January 23rd, 2025, to "re-empower communities and residents with how key zoning decisions come together". These House bills, 4027 and 4028, are intended to restore local control over the siting of large scale energy projects; Such as wind and solar development here in the Thumb region.
These bills have been presented to reverse prior legislation, that had given the Michigan Public Service Commission authority to override local zoning decisions on these projects. "People in Many areas of the state, including our region, are clear they don't want this type of development in their communities-" stated Alexander. "Local communities should have the final say on whiter they want wind and solar sites within their borders". These plans come after some measures had passed the house during the 2023-24 legislative term, allowing the unelected Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to make these overrides.
Alexander's efforts to help preserve local control continues with these bills. Understanding the needs of those he represents, the two bills look to create a buffer between possible state overreach for these projects, or mitigate the encroachments altogether. House Bills 4027 and 4028 have been refereed to the House Energy Committee for further consideration.
-Link to House Bill 4027 of 2025-
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4027
-Link to House Bill 4028 of 2025-
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4028
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