Tri-City Sun

State Representative Jerry Neyer played a crucial role on Wednesday in advancing a legislative measure aimed at restoring zoning and permitting authority for large-scale solar and wind projects to local governments. The legislation passed the House along party lines.

“We’re bringing the power of choice back to local governments and the communities they represent,” said Neyer, R-Shepherd. “Having local involvement in these decisions over large-scale wind and solar farms is better for everyone. People are more likely to support something when they’ve had a seat at the table and a voice in the decision-making process. Not every project will get approved, but the ones that do likely will have stronger local support.”

The proposed House Bills 4027-4028 intend to shift the responsibility for zoning decisions on large-scale wind and solar projects from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) back to local governments. The MPSC currently holds this power due to broad clean energy laws enacted in 2023. Prior to these laws, local governments had the authority to approve such projects similar to other local proposals.

Neyer, who has extensive experience with local zoning matters from his 18 years on the Isabella County Planning Commission, emphasized the importance of local authority in renewable energy projects. “Local control and the zoning process are key opportunities for developers to make their case and secure community support where there otherwise may have been none,” Neyer stated. “When I served on the local planning commission, we approved a renewable project because it was the right fit for our community. Another project may not have been, but the key is giving local officials the right to make that choice.”

The legislative proposal is now set to proceed to the Senate for further deliberation.