Letter to the Editor: Writer urges citizens to sign petition for local zoning control

Last November, our Michigan legislature passed and our governor signed PA233 of 2023, a new law that overrides local zoning laws and takes away a local community’s ability to decide on the size and placement of wind turbine farms, solar farms, and battery storage facilities.

PA233 of 2023 transfers control of local zoning decisions to three state-appointed officials in Lansing.

Michigan already leads the Midwest in renewable energy with local control in place. Currently, Michigan has 15 percent renewal energy. However, the goal of the State of Michigan is to have 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040. According to a recent poll, 87 percent of Michigan voters believe these decisions should remain local.

Under state control, the average proposed solar farm in Michigan would be 3.5 square miles. There would be no limit on the height of wind turbines. In addition, the wind farms would be permitted to produce a maximum noise level of 55 decibels per hour, which is 10 decibels higher than the recommended exposure by the World Health Organization.

Citizens for Local Choice is a group of bi-partisan voters who are working to, among other things, repeal Part 8 as added by Public Act 233 of 2023, which stripped away local control of large-scale utility land-use projects. They have petitions for registered voters to sign. And by signing, you affirm that this issue should be on the ballot for voters to decide who should make decisions for our local communities.

PA233 is due to take effect on Nov. 29, 2024. If Citizens for Local Choice can get 550,000 valid signatures by May 29, the initiative will be on the November 2024 ballot. If passed by voters, it will return regulating authority to local governments.

To receive a petition to sign and return, go to www.micitizenschoice.org. Contributions would be much appreciated and can be sent to Citizens for Local Choice, P.O. Box 14309, Lansing, MI 48901.

In addition, you can go to the pavilion in Shelby on April 6 between noon and 3 p.m. There will be petitions to sign and also petitions to take home to have your family, friends, and neighbors sign.

Laura Krentz,

Rothbury