To the Journal editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act which the Michigan legislature recently passed. These bills offer a responsible and balanced approach to renewable energy development, preserving local control and respecting the rights of private landowners.

This is something that is near and dear to me as a college student hoping to enjoy Michigan’s natural beauty for years to come. This legislation is important because it highlights the sustainable practices that I am learning about in my classes.

This bill will give the school and community members the opportunity to choose to invest in more sustainable energy sources which will protect our future. There are many sustainable initiatives being put in place such as implementing solar panels on roofs of academic buildings of the college I attend.

Due to the accessibility and commitment to convert to renewable energy this bill outlines, it will allow student proposed projects to have more weight to be implemented.

Work to include everyone by State Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette, in the needed change to renewable energy should be commended.

One of the key elements of these bills is the preservation of local control. The process is entirely voluntary for private landowners and creates a new pathway for permitting renewable energy projects that serve the statewide need, under the oversight of the Michigan Public Service Commission.

The inclusion of community input, meetings with elected local officials, and consideration of local land use impacts demonstrates the commitment to safeguarding the interests of our communities.

For example there were multiple public engagement sessions, online and in person across the state. The town hall meeting in Marquette had Upper Peninsula legislators, including State Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, contribute in an open discussion to address how this energy bill will affect the state but more specifically the U.P.

What’s truly commendable about these bills is that renewable energy projects can only proceed with the voluntary consent of landowners. Moreover, they are limited in size and scale by the constraints of the transmission system.

This ensures that the projects will only advance when there is genuine local support, and they do not pose any grid stability concerns.

I believe the Clean Energy Jobs Act strikes a fair balance between renewable energy expansion and the rights of landowners. It is a responsible path forward to a more sustainable future for Michigan.

I want to thank Rep. Hill for being on the forefront and supporting this critical piece of legislation that will help us all, as well as making sure all voices are heard when shaping our future.

Sincerely,