State Rep. Jerry Neyer on Wednesday cast a key vote to ensure the passage of a plan to send zoning and permitting authority over large-scale solar and wind projects back to local governments. The legislation passed the House along party lines.

“We’re bringing the power of choice back to local governments and the communities they represent,” said Neyer, R-Shepherd. “Having local involvement in these decisions over large-scale wind and solar farms is better for everyone. People are more likely to support something when they’ve had a seat at the table and a voice in the decision-making process. Not every project will get approved, but the ones that do likely will have stronger local support.”

House Bills 4027-4028 would ensure local governments – not Lansing bureaucrats – are making zoning decisions regarding large-scale wind and solar projects. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) currently has the ability to override local zoning decisions, a power they were granted as part of sweeping clean energy laws passed in 2023. Before the new laws, local officials could sign off on large-scale wind and solar projects, which were treated like any other local proposal.

Neyer served on the Isabella County Planning Commission for 18 years. During his time on the commission, he was part of the approval process for a renewable energy project. Neyer said the experience underscored just how important local control is to the process of expanding renewable energy production across Michigan.

“Local control and the zoning process are key opportunities for developers to make their case and secure community support where there otherwise may have been none,” Neyer said. “When I served on the local planning commission, we approved a renewable project because it was the right fit for our community. Another project may not have been, but the key is giving local officials the right to make that choice.”

The plan now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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