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Wind, solar siting bills draw Republican backlash

Wind farm in Kansas.
Michigan Public Service Commission
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Michigan Public Service Commission
Michigan Public Service Commission

New bills in the Michigan House would give state regulators the power to zone land for certain solar and wind projects.

Michigan Public Service Commission chair Dan Scripps says the commission already has authority to site other types of energy infrastructure—like pipelines for fossil fuels.

He says solar and wind shouldn’t be treated any differently.

“It doesn’t make sense and we don’t follow this approach in any other aspect of Michigan’s energy infrastructure.”

But Judy Allen of the Michigan Townships Association says the bills would disregard community desires.

“These decisions on the location for the renewable facilities create a lasting change for a community, for their future development, for their businesses.”

The bills are in committee and are likely to change before reaching the House floor.