News Summary

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced a temporary halt to new utility-scale solar projects on state-managed forestlands due to environmental concerns. This follows public objections to a proposed solar development in Gaylord, where substantial backlash arose over potential tree removal. The DNR plans to establish a framework for future solar development, prioritizing input from local communities. Critics fear this pause may impact Michigan’s renewable energy goals amid ongoing commitments to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Gaylord, Michigan – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced a pause on all new utility-scale solar projects on state-managed forestlands due to growing environmental concerns. This decision, made without public announcement, was communicated through an email from DNR Director Scott Bowen to selected legislators and stakeholders on May 9.

This policy shift comes after public objections were raised regarding a proposed solar project that aimed to develop 420 acres of state-managed forest land in the vicinity of Gaylord, which is located in Otsego County’s Hayes Township. The project faced substantial backlash primarily over the implications of potential tree removal. Following this opposition, RWE Clean Energy, the company behind the proposal, has withdrawn from the initiative, leading the DNR to reevaluate its plans for solar development on public lands.

As a result of this pause, the DNR plans to refrain from approving new solar projects until it can establish a comprehensive framework for evaluating solar leasing in the future. This framework will prioritize early input from local communities and lawmakers before any solar development is considered.

The DNR’s decision comes at a critical time, particularly in light of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which aims for the state to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2050 and 60% renewable energy by 2030. Environmental advocates express concern that by halting solar development on public lands, the state may struggle to meet its ambitious renewable energy goals.

Significantly, the DNR manages approximately 4.6 million acres of public land in Michigan, serving various uses, including forestry and recreation. Historically, areas of this land have been leased for industrial purposes, including oil and gas production. The state has committed to utilizing no more than 4,000 acres of public land for solar development, while currently, 350,000 acres are leased for oil and gas activities.

While two existing solar projects will continue—one at the Groveland mine tailings site in Dickinson County and another at the Roscommon Conservation Airport site in Roscommon County—the general future of solar on state-managed forestlands remains uncertain.

Critics of the plan to use public forestland for solar energy argue that clearing these areas can negatively affect climate efforts by disrupting the trees’ capability to absorb carbon. Additionally, some legislators are calling for further studies to ensure that future solar and wind projects do not harm natural resources or the integrity of state lands.

The topic of transparency regarding the selection of lands for solar development has also emerged as a concern. Many stakeholders are eager to understand how “marginal lands” are defined and what criteria will be applied in the future decision-making process for solar project locations.

In light of the DNR’s announcement, state representatives, including Ken Borton from Gaylord, have raised alarms about the potential impacts of future solar projects on public lands. There are calls for the DNR to engage in broader discussions and incorporate public feedback as a means to better navigate the delicate balance between renewable energy initiatives and environmental preservation.

The DNR’s forthcoming framework aims to harmonize these interests, ensuring that renewable energy development proceeds judiciously while safeguarding Michigan’s rich forest resources.