Detroit News | Peder Mewis, July 10
In the last few months, there has been no shortage of discussion about Public Act 233, Michigan’s new renewable energy siting law. But much of the commentary has missed a simple truth: the law is working exactly as intended. It is giving communities the tools to shape renewable energy development on their terms while ensuring that Michigan can meet its growing energy needs.
At the heart of PA 233 is a straightforward principle. Local governments are given the first opportunity to permit large-scale renewable energy projects. If a township or county adopts what’s called a Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance, or CREO, they maintain full control over the permitting process. That means local officials continue to set conditions for how projects are built, including elements like setbacks, fencing, and hours of operation. They can elevate the pieces that matter most to their community and address local concerns without blocking progress and access to homegrown energy.
Since the passage of PA 233, more communities are choosing to do just that. Townships have been back at the table creating economic opportunity pathways for their residents that respect the participating landowners’ rights. That’s due to the law both incentivizing local permitting and providing certainty for all involved.
Rather than diminishing local authority, PA 233 enhances it. It establishes a clear process and encourages local participation by providing financial incentives for counties and municipalities that engage in siting projects. Communities that work proactively with developers can benefit from additional revenue, job creation, and long-term investments in public services.
Some critics assert that the law allows the state to overrule local governments. What they leave out is that the Michigan Public Service Commission only reviews a project if a local jurisdiction declines to act or sets unreasonable barriers that fall outside fair development standards. And even in those cases, local voices are not sidelined. Residents and local governments can participate in the process and help shape the outcome.
Michigan has ambitious clean energy goals, and we cannot achieve them if every community operates with a different rulebook. The patchwork of conflicting ordinances and political delays has stalled good projects, discouraged investment, and created confusion for landowners who want to lease their land to support clean energy and earn stable income.
PA 233 ensures that when a landowner is ready to move forward, their township has the opportunity to lead the process. It gives communities a chance to create their own guidelines, maintain a voice in shaping their future, and reap the economic benefits of renewable energy projects.
This law is not about state control. It is about establishing a process that works. And it is doing just that. Across the state, developers are working closely with local leaders to adopt CREOs, tailor workable development standards, and bring economic opportunity to rural and suburban areas alike.
Michigan’s energy future depends on cooperation, consistency, and local leadership. PA 233 delivers all three. Leadership on both sides of the aisle should be proud of the way this protects local input, supports landowners, and empowers communities while helping Michigan become energy independent.
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