Michigan Clean Energy and Siting Made a Reality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Dana Whyte, Byrum and Fisk Communications, 517.249.3600

LANSING (October 11, 2024) – Yesterday the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) took a huge step forward in meeting the state's clean energy and storage goals with their release of guidance for communities and renewable energy developers regarding how wind, solar and battery storage projects are to undergo permitting review and approvals. The MPSC's order comes after months of stakeholder engagement and input on the Application Filing Instructions and Procedures for Solar Energy, Wind Energy, and Energy Storage Facilities.

Advanced energy industry groups, including the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC), Clean Grid Alliance (CGA), American Clean Power Association (ACP), and Advanced Energy United (United) appreciate the Commission's dedicated work on these instructions.

"We applaud the Commissioners and MPSC Staff for working over the past year in such a transparent and diligent manner," said John Albers, Regulatory Policy Director for United. "Clarity in the rules, after months of hard work, solidifies Michigan's position as a national leader in attracting new investment in clean energy and energy storage."

The Application Filing Instructions and Procedures specifically implements Public Act 233 of 2023, which was signed by Governor Whitmer on November 28, 2023. The legislation created a streamlined permitting and siting process for clean energy and storage facilities. The impetus of the bill, sponsored by Representatives Aiyash and Puri, was to reduce barriers surrounding the construction of new facilities to ensure that farmers and other landowners have control over their own land and the ability to keep farmland with farm families. The law will also help Michigan realize its goals of 100% carbon-free energy production by 2040 while providing new income for local governments and lowering electricity costs for Michiganders.

"The procedures released yesterday adhere to the careful balance struck by the legislature and have been vetted by many experts and stakeholders, including members of the clean energy industry," said Dr. Laura Sherman, President of Michigan EIBC. "Although we anticipate that many projects will continue to be approved at the local level, we applaud the Commission for establishing a fair state-level process to ensure that farmers who want to lease their land for solar, wind, or storage projects are able to do so."

"This effort, led by MPSC, shows how we can bring together industry experts, stakeholders, and community groups such as farmers, in a meaningful way to evaluate and provide structure for communities interested in pursuing clean energy development," said Erika Kowall, Director of Midwestern State Affairs for ACP. "The process will increase transparency and guidance on permitting critical for the deployment of valuable resources such as energy storage. This will help facilitate additional clean energy capacity on the grid, helping to achieve the state's clean energy goals in a way that keeps power affordable and reliable."

"The final processes established by the commission take us one step closer to activating historic clean energy pathways," said Peder Mewis, Regional Policy Director for CGA. "Michigan has tremendous potential for increased clean energy generation, creating more opportunities for farmers and increased reliability for the electric grid. CGA looks forward to seeing these rules enacted and the ways Michigan communities and businesses benefit from renewable energy growth."

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