A set of bills known as the Clean Energy and Jobs Act, introduced by Democratic lawmakers in the Michigan House of Representatives, recently passed the House Energy Committee. The legislation, aimed at bolstering Michigan’s journey toward its renewable energy targets while generating union jobs and protecting landowner rights, has sparked a heated debate over local governance and renewable energy development.
Central to the controversy is the transfer of power proposed by House Bills 51205123, which shifts decision-making authority from local entities to the Michigan Public Service Commission, a non-elected body appointed by the governor. This significant change in regulatory control concerns the approval process for constructing large-scale solar and wind projects. Advocates include Local State Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), who serves on the Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee, argue that the act is a step forward in meeting the state’s renewable energy aspirations and creates avenues for job growth.
“I am concerned about the future of the Upper Peninsula, and I’m committed to improving our electrical grid and lowering energy costs. Renewable developments represent an opportunity to achieve those goals. I’ve heard feedback from folks who are concerned about the bills, and I was glad I could amend the legislation to ensure locals will continue to have a voice in the process,” she said in a release.
However, the new directive has been met with staunch opposition from State Reps. Dave Prestin, Greg Markkanen, and Neil Friske, who serve the other House of Representative districts in the Upper Peninsula. Alongside other Republicans, they expressed concern that the bills strip local communities and elected officials of their current ability to influence where these industrial renewable energy projects take shape. They caution against handing over significant power to a three-member, unelected board that oversees the commission, especially with state goals to shift more towards renewable energies.
“I am deeply disappointed. The U.P. delegation did not speak as one voice on this one,” said Prestin, who sits with Hill on the House Energy Committee. “We had people coming out of the woodwork to oppose this downstate takeover – the fact that Rep. Jenn Hill voted for these awful bills is a complete abandonment of the citizens in the Upper Peninsula.”
Hill introduced two amendments to the bills. The first seeks to clarify the term ‘community benefits,’ while the second mandates renewable energy developers to contribute to a fund assisting local governments wishing to participate in the regulatory process. These modifications, seen as minor by critics, were insufficient to sway detractors, with the exception of Hill, who initially expressed skepticism before casting a favorable vote post-amendment.
The package advanced beyond the committee, signaling a win for proponents of the Clean Energy and Jobs Act. The legislative battle, however, is far from over, as the bills now face scrutiny from the full Michigan House.
