The Fayette Township Board voted during a special meeting Monday night to move forward with the creation of a Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO). The move is intended to establish local control over future green energy developments.
The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of a 1,350-acre solar project that has been proposed by Ranger Power.
Following the vote, the board opened the floor to public comment, where residents, again, expressed opposition, urging officials to reject the project due to concerns over its long-term impact on the community.
Implementing a CREO will allow local officials to create a “road map” for developers that includes specific protections, such as mandatory setbacks and decommissioning bonds.
The standards are designed to ensure that any approved renewable infrastructure remains compatible with the township’s character.
A draft of the CREO is available for viewing on the Hillsdale County website at hillsdalecounty.gov
Creation of the ordinance will require further public hearings before the language is finalized.