Michigan township denies solar expansion after months of controversy
The denial affects a solar expansion that could have covered more than 20% of the township’s 13,000 acres, officials said.
- On Monday, The Fayette Township Planning Commission voted to deny a special land use permit for Ranger Power, receiving a standing ovation from residents gathered at the Jonesville High School auditorium.
- The commission cited the "vast use of farmland converted to industrial solar" as a primary reason for denial, noting the project failed to satisfy local zoning standards established under the Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance.
- Nearly 20% of the township's 13,000 acres could have been converted to industrial solar, fueling opposition led by resident Stephen Oleszkowicz to protect local farmland from industrial-scale conversion.
- Despite the rejection, Ranger may appeal to the Michigan Public Service Commission for an override under Public Act 233, which allows developers to seek state approval if local ordinances are deemed overly restrictive.
- State clean energy mandates requiring utilities to generate 80% of electricity from clean sources by 2035 intensify the focus on Michigan renewable energy development amid broader debate over local zoning control.
36 Articles
36 Articles
Fayette Township rejects Ranger Power's Heartwood II plan to convert 1,400 acres to solar panels
The Fayette Township Planning Commission this week rejected a large-scale solar energy project proposed by Ranger Power. Fayette Township rejected Ranger Power's solar project this week. The project would put solar panels on 1,400 acres of farmland in the township. The future of the project is up in the air once it reaches the State level.The plan, called Heartwood II, would have converted 1,400 acres of farmland into solar panels. Fayette Towns…
Fayette Twp planning commission votes to deny permit for Ranger Power solar power plant - The Midwesterner
The Fayette Township planning commission rejected plans for an industrial solar power plant project on Monday. The proposed solar “farm” would occupy roughly 26% of the township’s agricultural land and has been opposed by residents. Commission members voted unanimously to deny Ranger Power’s request for a permit in a June 1 township meeting. The commission cited the amount of farmland that would be used, impacts on residents and businesses, envi…
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