A Michigan appellate court mostly upheld the state Public Service Commission’s implementation of a law allowing renewable energy developers to bypass local governments that try to block projects through zoning ordinances.
The Michigan Court of Appeals handed down the ruling Thursday afternoon, three weeks after hearing oral arguments in the case that has implications for the state’s ability to meet Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature climate law.
The law, which preempts local governments from blocking wind, solar and battery projects, was part of a trio of climate and clean energy measures that passed along party lines in 2023 when Democrats held majorities in both chambers of the Michigan Legislature.
Republicans, who won back control of the Michigan House in 2024, have sought to repeal the clean energy mandates. And Michigan townships in the court appeal said the PSC exceeded its powers in deciding how the law is implemented.
