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While the state considers changes to the 2023 Energy Legislation, local representatives are encouraging public input. Last year the state passed Public act 233 of 2023, which created a sighting process for renewable energy projects in Michigan by the Public Service Commission.
The legislation is scheduled to take effect in November this year. Since the legislation was passed, several county and municipal planning commissions have voiced opposition to the lack of local control included in the bill. The Michigan Farm Bureau and Michigan Township Association have also voiced opposition to the legislation’s lack of local zoning control. PA 233 does require that local planning commissions make local ordinances no stricter than the state-wide commission’s standards.
Yesterday 110 District Representative Greg Markkanen joined fellow Upper Peninsula representative Dave Prestin in encouraging communities to voice their opinions on the energy legislation.
A public comment period will open for the bill today over Microsoft Teams, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. A second comment period will open on March 19th, with the same time slots available for comment.
According to the commission, topics are limited to the application filing guidelines, fees, use of consultants, pre-application consultations, the development of compatible renewable energy ordinances, and other issues that arise during the process.
Those interested to learn more about the 2023 Energy Legislation in Michigan can find more details, and links to the virtual comment period below.
