House Bills 4027 and 4028 would take rights away from landowners, scramble an otherwise business-friendly environment, and raise electricity costs for consumers
LANSING, MI – Diverse stakeholders are joining together to encourage Michigan legislators to oppose House Bills 4027 and 4028.
Today, Tuesday, April 22, the House Energy committee heard testimony on these bills and voted them out of the committee, sending them on the path to the full House chamber. Farmers and representatives from clean energy companies urged legislators on the committee to vote no on both bills. Opponents articulated key reasons to reject these bills as they would take rights away from individual landowners, raise electric utility costs for all consumers, hurt Michigan businesses, and prevent the state from more reliably and cost-effectively powering the energy grid to meet rising demand.
House Bills 4027 and 2028 would repeal Public Act 233, which became law in 2023 and took effect in November 2024. Public Act 233 creates certainty for landowners, communities, and developers, and its enactment was supported by business, labor, and farmers. The law ensures landowners can make decisions for their own properties, while also ensuring adequate oversight of project development and permits to operate wind, solar, and battery storage.
“Renewable energy is the greatest economic development opportunity for our rural community while meeting the growing electrical needs of Michigan residents,” said Patti Shinn, a farmer and former elected official from Sanilac County. “For example, the Riverbend 300 MW, 50 wind turbine project spanning two townships will bring an average of $1.4 million each year in tax revenue to our townships, local school districts, and the county each year.”
“Public Act 233 was enacted at the end of 2024, and for families like mine, it brought hope,” said Clara Ostrander, a farmer and landowner from Monroe County. “After years of uncertainty and unreasonable local regulations, we finally had a path forward. For the first time, it felt like our property rights were being respected and that we might be able to keep our land, support our family, and make something lasting out of this opportunity.”
“Many townships have worked with developers creating a working compatible renewable energy ordinance,” said Kevin Heath, a farmer and landowner from Monroe County. “And, in a bonus to working with developers, many have received grant money for doing so. Townships have the ability to have some say by working together! They still have a chance and are encouraged to work with developers.”
Public Act 233 also helps lower electricity costs for all consumers because advanced energy is more affordable and more efficient. This technology has also created thousands of jobs throughout Michigan, especially in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
“To date, no projects have filed for permits through the state process. Instead, projects have continued to be deliberated and decided at the local level,” said Justin Carpenter, Director of Policy for the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “The new process benefits local communities and farmers with income, tax revenue, and direct funding for local services.”
“Public Act 233 ensures Michigan is sending a clear signal that the state is a good place to do business and invest in projects that will deliver jobs, economic development opportunities, and new tax revenue for communities. Michigan’s current laws provide private business leaders the certainty that is needed to build advanced energy projects, employ Michiganders, and help power the state’s grid,” said Trish Demeter, Managing Director for Advanced Energy United.
Furthermore, Public Act 233 is helping set Michigan up for a successful future. Energy demand is rising in the state, and clean energy generation can fuel the grid and keep the heat on for Michigan families and businesses during winter. Public Act 233 ensures developers have the certainty they need to embark on projects that will provide this important energy.