(LANSING) - State Rep. Jennifer Wortz and the Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a plan to restore local control and
reverse the state takeover of siting decisions for wind and solar farms.

House Bills 4027 and 4028 would repeal a pair of 2023 laws authorizing the three-member Michigan Public Service Commission to override local zoning and approve large-scale wind and solar energy projects against the will of community residents. Wortz, a Republican from Quincy, says the plan would restore people’s voices in their communities.

The 2023 state takeover of wind and solar siting was part of a larger overhaul of Michigan energy laws. The controversial changes mandating 100% “clean” energy by 2040 will shut down existing natural gas power plants and, according to one study, could double monthly power bills.

Michigan currently has about 17,000 acres occupied by wind and solar operations, and rural areas across the state are expected to bear the brunt of expanded siting going forward. Wortz says restoring local control over wind and solar projects is an important first step.

HBs 4027 and 4028 now advance to the Michigan Senate for consideration.