The money comes from the fourth round of EGLE’s Renewables Ready Communities Awards (RRCA), a grant initiative supporting local governments that permit and host utility-scale renewable energy projects through local processes. The program offers flexible funding to these communities, enabling them to invest in infrastructure and services like road and bridge repairs, public safety enhancements, park improvements, streetlights, and energy upgrades for public buildings.

Greenbacks for solar panels – whether you like it or not.

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But while EGLE praises the program as a ray of hope for infrastructure and public safety improvements, many residents see the solar gold rush as a storm cloud on the horizon. From cut- down trees to acres of farmland blanketed in black panels, the state’s clean energy buildout isn’t being welcomed with open arms everywhere.

Pushback from local governments.

In Otsego County, we reported on a group of county residents who have filed a lawsuit against Otsego County and German-owned RWE Solar Development, LLC, alleging the county illegally approved a 2,025-acre solar project without proper authority under Michigan’s new renewable energy law, Public Act 233 of 2023. The plaintiffs argue that the county failed to adopt a required renewable energy ordinance by the state’s deadline, making its permit approval invalid, and that RWE’s application failed to meet legal standards.

The suit also challenges the constitutionality of Act 233, claiming it unlawfully delegates legislative power to the unelected Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). In addition to legal claims, the plaintiffs cite health and nuisance concerns and are seeking to halt construction, void the permit, and have portions of the law declared unconstitutional.

Additionally, in November 2024, approximately 75 Michigan townships filed an appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals challenging the MPSC’s October 10, 2024 order implementing PA 233. The appellants argue that the MPSC’s order was adopted in violation of the Michigan Administrative Procedures Act and that it misinterprets key provisions of PA 233. As of April 2025, the legal challenges to PA 233 are ongoing. The Michigan Court of Appeals has not yet issued a decision regarding the appeal filed by the townships.

EGLE sings a different tune.

Still, EGLE Director Phil Roos insists that large-scale renewable energy projects are all part of Michigan’s bright future: “Michigan’s Renewables Ready Communities Awards continue to support local communities and our prosperous, healthy, clean energy future. These awards will enable communities to invest where they see needs in infrastructure, public safety, and more, while accelerating the build-out of affordable green power to hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents.”