FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2024

CONTACT

Jenell Leonard
517-268-0889

citizensforlocalchoice@gmail.com 

LANSING, Mich. - The Citizens for Local Choice Ballot Committee advances to the next steps in the effort to restore local choice for siting of large-scale wind and solar operations as the final version of the petition has been accepted for filing by the State. The ballot campaign now moves forward to collect the required signatures to be placed on the ballot.

“Having the final approved petition accepted by the state allows our team to launch the ground game to collect signatures and restore the voices of voters across Michigan,” said Roger Johnson, member of the Citizens for Local Choice Ballot Committee. “We have a strong network of county captains, volunteers, and activists who are ready to hit the ground running to secure the required amount of signatures needed to bring this issue to the voters.”

The Citizens for Local Choice ballot committee launched its campaign on January 4. While the Board of Canvassers heard and unanimously approved the language for the petitions on January 19, the final petition had to be accepted for filing by the State before circulation efforts could begin. The initiative petition being sponsored by the Ballot Campaign Committee, “Citizens for Local Choice” seeks to repeal Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act as added by Public Act 233 of 2023. 

“Michigan’s system of government has wisely prioritized local residents having the right and responsibility to make important local land use decisions for their city, village, or township.” said Rich Studley, member of the Citizens for Local Choice Ballot Question Committee. “Sadly, democracy is now under attack in Lansing by know-it-all politicians and their political appointees who want to ignore and override important local decisions on the location of utility scale wind and solar energy. It’s time for everyday Michiganders to stand up and take action to protect local voices by supporting the Citizens for Local Choice petition drive.” Rich Studley is a long time Michigander and has served in local government as a planning commissioner, city council member and city manager. He also served as co-chair on the voter approved Proposal 1 campaign in the 2022 election.

The Committee will have 180 days to collect and submit the required 356,958 valid signatures from registered voters. If this goal can be achieved by May 29th 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 request petitions can visit www.micitizenschoice.org for more information.