State Rep. Karl Bohnak on Wednesday cast a key vote to ensure the passage of a plan to send zoning and permitting authority over large-scale solar and wind projects back to local governments. The legislation passed the House along party lines.

“There are many communities across Michigan who may want wind and solar projects, but that isn’t true for everyone, and it especially isn’t true for the Upper Peninsula,” said Bohnak R-Deerton. “The U.P. isn’t a good fit for these projects. Our environment, weather patterns, and mining industry make it impossible for renewable energy to be our only source of production. We need our other reliable and affordable options, specifically our RICE generators, to keep the lights on. Restoring local control means our communities won’t be inundated with renewable energy projects we know won’t work just because some suits in Lansing decided it was a good idea.”

House Bills 4027-4028 would ensure local governments are making zoning decisions regarding large-scale wind and solar projects. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) currently has the ability to override local zoning decisions, a power they were granted as part of sweeping clean energy laws passed in 2023. Before the new laws, local officials could sign off on large-scale wind and solar projects, which were treated like any other local proposal.

“Our local officials must have a seat at the table,” Bohnak said. “The current process leaves local governments out in the cold. Our plan would put them squarely back at the center of these conversations where they belong.”

The plan now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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