FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2024

CONTACT

Jenell Leonard
(517) 268-0889

citizensforlocalchoice@gmail.com 

LANSING, Mich. – The Citizens for Local Choice ballot committee adds the support of another key organization, with the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) Board of Directors voting to back the ballot initiative efforts. MTA was actively engaged in opposing the legislation that passed last year and their support of the initiative petition furthers their commitment to restore local authority for how Michigan communities choose to plan and zone for utility-scale renewable energy facilities.

“The Board’s support of this initiative’s efforts aligns with the Association’s unwavering commitment to local control and the ability of communities and residents to have the final say over local decisions—especially those that have far-reaching, long-lasting and dramatic effects in a community,” said MTA President Pauline Bennett, Addison Township (Oakland Co.) clerk. “Local officials and their residents simply should not—and cannot—be silenced over local issues impacting them, their community, their quality of life—and their future.”

According to an MTA-commissioned poll, the vast majority of Michiganders—more than 87 percent—agree that permitting for utility-scale renewable energy should remain at the local level. The results were overwhelmingly bi-partisan with 85 percent of Democrats, 91 percent of Republicans, and 84 percent of Independents supporting local control.

“The issue of local control is widely supported because citizens value democracy. When local government has responsibility for wind and solar citing decisions that affect Michigan communities, fairness and transparency can be achieved,” said Rich Studley, Citizens for Local Choice Committee Member. “MTA’s support of this effort is a critical step in listening to the will of the people, restoring local authority, and ensuring local governments have the right & responsibility to make local land use decisions for their community.”

The Citizens for Local Choice ballot committee seeks to repeal Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act as added by Public Act 233 of 2023. The Committee is currently collecting signatures to secure a place on the general election ballot. The committee has a total of 180 days to gather signatures, but if the required 356,958 valid signatures from registered voters can be obtained by May 29^th, 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. 

Paid for with regulated funds by Citizens for Local Choice, P.O. Box 14309 Lansing, MI 48901

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