Residents urge Ottawa County to intervene in PA 233 review of Silver Maple solar project

Public commenters urged Ottawa County to take an active legal role in proceedings under Public Act 233, saying the statute allows the Michigan Public Service Commission to override local zoning for utility-scale energy projects.

Christy Mappleink, of Salem Township, told the committee that "PA 233 fundamentally challenges who has the final say over utility-scale energy projects in Michigan," and urged the county to intervene in the Silver Maple industrial solar application in Zeeland and Jamestown townships so the county can use discovery, file testimony and appeal decisions.

Mappleink and an earlier commenter, identified in the record as Miss Walker, said intervening would give the county standing to raise county-level concerns such as drains, water and roads and to monitor how the MPSC applies PA 233 in real time. "Intervention gives you the right to discovery and cross examination and the right to file testimony and even appeal the final order," Mappleink said.

County staff did not take a formal position during public comment. The request framed intervention as a way to "strengthen the record" and to ensure local impacts are considered if the MPSC grants a certificate of necessity that could override local zoning.

The committee did not record a formal vote on joining as an intervener during this meeting. Commenters said they are awaiting possible court action and a decision from RWE on whether to continue its application; they urged the county to act now to protect farmland before more large projects proceed. The committee proceeded to its scheduled agenda items without making an immediate commitment on intervention.