Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solar Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mendon residents press officials over possible solar project as township explains state preemption
Summary
Residents packed the Mendon Township meeting to object to a possible large-scale solar development; the township attorney said Michigan Public Act 233 gives the Michigan Public Service Commission jurisdiction over projects larger than 50 MW and requires developer notice and community meetings, limiting local zoning control.
Residents from Mendon and neighboring townships filled Mendon Township Hall on June 2 to press elected officials about soil borings and a possible large-scale solar project, while township officials and the township attorney explained that state law largely limits local authority.
"The Township has no authority over solar projects any longer, unless it’s 50 megawatts or smaller," Supervisor Kline told the meeting, after noting he had learned from a Consumers Energy representative that soil borings were under way. Township attorney Haas explained the legal framework: "The State of Michigan, in 2023, passed Public Act 233. That established specific guidelines in regards to energy systems; solar, wind and energy storage facilities. This gave the authority to the Michigan Public Service Commission for anything over 50 megawatts. Local government zoning ordinances would have to be identical to the State statutes."
Attorney Haas said the township’s previously stricter ordinance did not match the state statute and therefore could not be used to block larger projects. He added developers must notify the township, host at least one public meeting in the township to explain their proposal, and are required by the state process to enter into an agreement that can reimburse the township for review costs up to $75,000 and pay an annual fee.
Residents used the public-comment period to press officials for details and protections. "We want to fight whatever it takes ... so that we get the bare minimum so we don’t look out our back yard and see nothing but solar panels," said Jason Bingaman, who asked whether a Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO) could preserve setbacks and heights. Attorney Haas responded that a CREO must be consistent with state statute and cannot impose conditions the statute does not allow, though a compatible local ordinance would permit township review to the extent state law allows.
Other commenters raised questions about decommissioning and road damage. When asked whether developers would be required to post bonds to restore farmland, Haas said the state process requires a decommissioning plan but he did not have that plan’s detailed terms available at the meeting. "There is a requirement under the State Service Commission that they have to have a decommissioning plan," Haas said.
Several residents recounted the local history of efforts to control solar siting. Norma Switalski said residents spent years assembling petitions and that a previous referendum to repeal the township ordinance failed by 12 votes. She pointed to neighboring Nottawa Township’s limits — she said its ordinance caps solar at roughly 1% of township land (about 240 acres), requires a mile between solar fields, and 350-foot setbacks — as examples of stricter local rules.
Supervisor Kline urged residents that if they want influence over proposed projects, they must attend the public meeting hosted by the developer and the hearings at the Michigan Public Service Commission, because the township has limited permitting authority for larger projects. The township offered to post developer meeting notices on its website if notified.
No township vote or ordinance change occurred at the June 2 meeting; officials approved routine agenda items and encouraged the public to participate at future developer and state hearings. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
