Legislation Returns Land Use Decisions to Local Communities
CONTACT: Kevon Martis 517.403.2428 ourhomeourvoiceinc@gmail.com
DEERFIELD, Mich. – The Michigan Legislature introduced new legislation, House Bills 4027 and 4028, representing a crucial step toward restoring local control of renewable energy projects in Michigan. These bills directly address longstanding concerns from residents and local officials who have been frustrated by state preemption laws like Public Act 233, which strip communities of their authority to regulate energy projects that impact their homes, farms, and neighborhoods.
“Our organization is dedicated to protecting local governance and ensuring communities have the right to decide what is best for their residents,” said Kevon Martis, a spokesperson of Our Home, Our Voice, Inc. “These bills reinforce the principle that land use decisions should not be dictated by distant bureaucrats, but by the very people who live in these communities.”
House Bill 4027 would amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, empowering local governments with the ability to enforce zoning regulations and revoke special land use permits when developers fail to comply. Without this local authority, communities risk being burdened with projects that may not align with their long-term vision or environmental goals. This restoration of enforcement mechanisms ensures that municipalities can hold developers accountable, safeguarding the well-being of residents and preserving the character of their communities.
House Bill 4028 complements this effort by repealing Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act, which currently allows developers to bypass local zoning by seeking site certification from the Michigan Public Service Commission. This has led to projects being approved with little regard for local concerns, undermining democratic processes and disregarding community input. By restoring local oversight, this legislation ensures that land use decisions reflect the priorities and values of the people who live and work in these areas, rather than being dictated by external interests or distant state agencies.
Our Home, Our Voice, Inc. urges lawmakers to act upon and vote yes on House Bills 4027 and 4028, emphasizing the need to restore a fair and balanced approach to renewable energy siting. Michigan residents are encouraged to contact their legislators and voice their support for these bills.
Our Home, Our Voice Inc., is a grassroots coalition of county and township officials as well as community organizers throughout Michigan who advocate maintaining local control of land use by promoting reasonable regulation in their widely diverse communities. The organization believes an important tool for protecting their home from special interests is the continued ability to enact and maintain local land use regulations. The coalition has active supporters in 45 counties across the state.
