Letter to the editor: Public Act 250 of 2022 also a threat to local authority

March 3, 2025

In Thomas Quinn’s recent Letter to the Editor, he denounces state legislators for passing Public Act 233, which usurps local government’s control over locating large-scale renewal-energy facilities by changing the permitting process. Under the new process, developers can go directly to the Michigan Public Service Commission for permit approval and bypass any requirements to comply with local zoning if they feel those rules are not “workable.” He asked readers to request state officials to take steps to restore to local authorities the power to regulate siting of these facilities.

I totally agree with Mr. Quinn’s request; while you’re at it, be sure to mention Public Act 250 of 2022 and demand a reversal of the Act’s outrageous dismissal of local rights by mandating that any ordinance, law, rule, or policy that prohibits or regulates the location or development of a materials management facility is unenforceable. The way things stand now, developers can plop down anerobic bio-digesters, commercial composting facilities, or recycling centers pretty much anywhere in your community, regardless of what your local ordinances or Master Plan says.

Make no mistake: Laws like these make it easy for multi-national conglomerates, like BlackRock (Vanguard Renewables, digesters) and CRH (StoneCo, mines), to ignore established ordinances, and decades of local planning, to boost their profits while your property values and quality of life take a dive. Call or email your state representatives today.

Christine Mikesell
Freedom Township, MI

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.