FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 13, 2024

CONTACT

Derek Melot

Director of Communications

melot@micounties.org

(517) 375-0883 

LANSING — The association representing Michigan’s 83 counties has joined the Citizens for Local Choice, a coalition of groups pushing for a statewide vote to repeal sections of a state law that put an unelected state panel in final charge of siting of energy generation facilities.

The Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) voted to join the group in defense of local control. “What we have heard from our own counties, and from colleagues across the state, is that this law enacted last year is a clear attack on local control, an attack Michigan’s 83 counties cannot continue,” said Jim Storey, president of the MAC Board of Directors and chair of the Allegan County Board.

MAC consistently opposed the legislation as it worked its way through the State Capitol last year, testifying on the consequences of usurping local control and suggesting changes that could facilitate the generation of clean energy without making the state Public Service Commission the final answer on local land use.

“Michigan is large and diverse. Each and every community is unique. That is why the role and responsibility of zoning regulations and approval for wind and solar operations should remain with the local units of government,” said Rich Studley, Citizens for Local Choice Committee Member. “We are proud to receive the support from the Michigan Association of Counties as their members amplify their voices to retain these important decisions at the local level.”

“It’s unfortunate we have reached this point, but this measure is so ill-conceived, so counter to the interests of communities and good governance, that MAC has to take this stand,” added Stephan Currie, executive director.

Citizens for Local Choice is collecting signatures to secure a place on the November ballot. The committee has 180 days to gather signatures, but if the required 356,958 valid signatures from registered voters can be obtained by May 29, the initiative could be placed on the November 2024 ballot; otherwise, the initiative would advance to the November 2026 ballot.

Those interested in getting involved in the effort, donate, or to request petitions can visit www.micitizenschoice.org for more information.

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