Debate Over Proposed Solar Development on Michigan State Land

Controversy Surrounds Proposed Solar Development on Michigan State Land

A proposal to lease state land in Michigan for solar energy has ignited a heated debate, drawing criticism from some lawmakers while environmental groups defend the process. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced plans to lease 420 acres in Hayes Township, sparking a range of responses from stakeholders.

The DNR’s proposal, which was published on Tuesday, is part of a public process that could include a meeting if enough feedback is received. Marvin Roberson, a forest ecologist with the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club, emphasized the transparency of the proceedings, stating, “This is going through the absolute normal, perfectly correct public input process.”

Nevertheless, some Republican state legislators, including Ken Borton, Mike Hoadley, and Senator Michelle Hoitenga, have expressed strong opposition. In a press release, they accused the DNR of plotting to destroy forestland and called for mass firings within the department.

Contrary to these claims, a DNR official and the Michigan Environmental Council explained that much of the land had been clear-cut or damaged by tornadoes, and currently includes oil and gas wells. The Michigan Environmental Council issued a statement expressing concern that the leasing announcement had been mischaracterized by “bad-faith actors” trying to stir anti-solar sentiment.

The possibility of excluding environmentally sensitive areas from the project remains open, according to the council, which highlighted the role of public input in shaping the proposal. Roberson reiterated, “The notion this is going to significantly clear-cut areas that wouldn’t be is not necessarily the case.”

While the news of the proposed lease was first reported by MLive, it surprised some lawmakers. State Representative John Roth expressed frustration at learning about the plan from the media, saying, “We shouldn’t be finding out that way.” Roth opposes any tree-cutting on state land for solar projects.

Emily Smith, the environmental council’s policy manager, noted that about 200 acres in the proposal are already designated for timber harvest. After discussions with the DNR, Smith conveyed increased confidence in the department’s process, seeing potential in using “marginal” land for renewable energy projects.

As Michigan aims for a 100% renewable energy grid by 2040, DNR’s Scott Whitcomb mentioned that leasing revenue could help acquire land with pristine environments to safeguard against future development. However, the solar company initially interested in the project, RWE Clean Energy, had already withdrawn from the state-owned land option, opting instead to partner with private landowners in 2019.

RWE, which is developing a 200 megawatt solar plant nearby, clarified that its decision to abandon the state land project was made long before the recent political backlash.