State Representative Jennifer Wortz is criticizing solar developer Ranger Power over a disputed energy project in Hillsdale County.
The Chicago-based developer recently filed a lawsuit against Fayette Township, after officials there denied a permit for the massive Heartwood Solar II project in June.
In an open letter to Ranger Power, Wortz called on the company to drop the court battle and listen to local residents.
Wortz said Ranger Power promised to respect community concerns. However, she argues the lawsuit uses the looming threat of expensive legal fees to pressure local leaders.
“Being a good neighbor means you listen to your neighbors and find a compromise,” Wortz said.
Under Michigan’s clean energy law, officially known as Public Act 233, green energy developers can appeal local rejections directly to state regulators at the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).
Ranger Power chose a different path by taking the dispute to court. Critics say the move may have occurred because the company was concerned that state regulators may side with opponents of the project, based on the amount of land in the township that is already occupied by solar panels.
Wortz noted that moving forward with the installation would mean that renewable energy projects would take up more than 25% of the township’s farmland and open space.
She urged Ranger Power to either respect the township’s rejection or take its case to state regulators instead of suing in court.
Hundreds of area residents, along with many local leaders, have expressed opposition to the proposal. Neither Ranger Power nor township officials have announced their next steps.