Michigan LCV statement on Whitmer administration’s farmland solar policy

LANSING – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today issued the following statement in response to an announcement by the Whitmer administration to allow solar developments on land enrolled in the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program.

“At a time when big utility companies like DTE and Consumers Energy are laying out their long-term energy plans, this order will remove barriers to solar energy and provide opportunities to aggressively follow through on their own clean energy goals,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Clean, renewable solar energy reduces dangerous pollution in our air and helps protect our water with little to no impact to the surrounding land. We applaud the Whitmer administration for promoting Michigan’s transition to clean energy.”

Removing barriers for solar development in rural communities and allowing solar energy on farmland was a recommendation laid out in the 2019-2022 Environmental Roadmap, a collaborative, multi-year plan by Michigan LCV and the Michigan Environmental Council.  The Roadmap, released earlier this year, included policy recommendations for the Legislature and Whitmer administration for transitioning the state to renewable energy, promoting clean water and protecting the health of Michiganders.

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