Michigan Lawmakers Express Outrage over Forest Clearing for Solar Farm Project

Discontent over Solar Project in Otsego County

State lawmakers in Michigan are vocalizing their frustration over plans by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to lease 420 acres of state forestland for production of a solar farm in Otsego County. The decision sparked a series of inquiries from legislators following the announcement last Thursday. Several Republican lawmakers have called for the dismissal of all DNR employees involved in making this decision.

The move to request bids for a solar project on public trust lands located in Hayes Township, west of Gaylord at the 45th Parallel, was recently approved by DNR. The initiative is perceived as a companion project to two other ongoing solar farms on private lands. All three solar projects would capitalize on the closeness to a high-voltage power transmission line in the region.

Reactions from Legislators

State Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, has decried the move as damaging wildlife habitat for the construction of solar panels. In his statement, Borton compared the decision to a storyline from the classic Dr. Seuss book, “The Lorax”, mocking the decision-makers for, in his view, selling out to the financial interests of the solar industry.

State Sen. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, emphasized the importance of holding the DNR accountable for this decision, critical of what she deems an ‘unethical conservation decision.’ She expressed disappointment at the department’s decision, alleging that the decision makers have failed in their role to protect natural resources and support outdoor enthusiasts.

Democratic Voices

In addition to Republican voices, Democrats have also contributed to the debate. State Rep. Mike McFall, D-Hazel Park, warned that the plan could inadvertently intensify the climate crisis – recent research has indicated that deforestation for the sake of solar energy can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

DNR’s Response

Ed Golder, a spokesperson for the DNR, affirmed that the agency is working diligently to respond to lawmakers’ concerns by providing comprehensive information relating to the project. In a memo sent to DNR staff, DNR Director Scott Bowen explained that the state agency manages 4.6 million acres of public land, including leases for industrial development such as oil and gas wells, mines, and other facilities. Bowen emphasized that solar energy is now part of this mix, as DNR land has previously been leased for gas, oil, and mineral production.

Bowen admitted that there has been internal disagreement within the DNR about converting forested land to a solar farm, acknowledging that some staff scientists express concerns. He, however, puts forward that as the DNR director, it was his due responsibility to make the controversial call of offering those 420 acres near Gaylord for solar projects through a bidding process. Bowen maintains that it is not their intent to have widespread conversions and so far less than 1,500 acres have been leased for solar development; projections put the final total at less than 4,000 acres.

There may, however, be scientific merit to the objections – research has indicated the loss of carbon-dioxide consuming forests for renewable energy installations frequently results in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, a dog leg in the climate fight. These concerns are far from dismissed, and people are eagerly awaiting further developments.