A resolution opposing any loss of local control over zoning for large wind and solar energy projects has been tabled by the Berrien County Board of Commissioners.
At a Thursday meeting, the board heard from a consultant that the Legislature is looking at getting the Michigan Public Service Commission involved in zoning for wind and solar farms. However, he said there still isn’t an actual bill, and it’s not known exactly how the MPSC will get involved.
Board Chair Mac Elliott said commissioners could hold off on stating their opposition until they know what they’re opposing.
“I would hope within the next seven days, the folks who are dealing with this in Lansing can get that all together,” Elliott said.
Elliott said the resolution should only be tabled for one week so it’s still fresh and ready to go when the Legislature releases something.
Commissioner Julie Wuerfel disagreed.
“We’ve all experienced this year how fast this legislature will move a bill and how fast this can happen,” Wuerfel said. “It takes us a minimum of two weeks to pass a resolution. I think it’s important that we let our legislators know our stance on this so that as they’re crafting this that they keep those things in mind.”
Wuerfel said regardless of what’s in the bill, the commission should state its support for keeping zoning local. Nevertheless, the commission voted to table the resolution for one week with Wuerfel voting no.
