Program: Renewable Energy Academy
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Significant changes to the permitting process for large-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects were enacted in HB 5120 (now Public Act 233 of 2023) in the fall of 2023. The new law, which goes into effect on November 29th, 2024, grants permitting authority to the Michigan Public Service Commission unless local governments adopt “Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinances.”
Resources
The Center for EmPowering Communities is developing resources to help communities prepare for the new law and assess how it impacts their planning and zoning for renewable energy.
Overview of PA 233 (PDF)
About the Act, options for local policy, pros and cons of different approaches, and more. (Slide deck presented March 14, 2025)
Navigating the MPSC Renewable Energy Siting Process: A Checklist for Local Governments (Google Docs Document)
Last revision: 8/22/2025
Adopting and Navigating the Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO) Process: A Checklist for Local Governments (Google Docs Document)
Last revision: 5/31/2025
Guidance on "Workable" Renewable Energy Ordinances (PDF and Google Sheet)
Compilation of ordinances that were in place during the permitting of large renewable energy projects in Michigan between 2018 to 2024, both before and after PA 233 of 2023.
Last revision: 5/9/2025
Annotated Solar and Wind Zoning Templates (PDF)
Annotated excerpts from two previously-published sample renewable energy zoning templates (solar and wind) intended to help understand how provisions in PA 233 correspond to common zoning provisions and aid understanding of Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinances (CREOs).
Sample Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO) (Google Docs Document)
Sample zoning language for communities that wish to adopt a CREO. Local officials are strongly encouraged to consult with a municipal attorney before using parts or all of this language.
Part 1: Introduction to Renewable Energy (Video)
Tune in to Part 1 of REA Online to improve your understanding of utility-scale renewable energy and its significance under the Michigan siting landscape. This comprehensive session covers key aspects of renewable energy, from technological insights to the benefits and concerns surrounding its development.
View/Download slides (PDF)
Part 2: Processes and Pathways Under PA233 (Video)
This video delves into compatible renewable energy ordinances (CREOs), state-level certifications, alternative incompatible pathways (workable and unworkable ordinances), and the benefits and downsides for each. This session is especially valuable for local officials and decision-makers, as it provides essential guidance for navigating PA 233.
View/Download slides (PDF)
Part 3: Workable Zoning Ordinances (Video)
Tune in to Part 3 of REA Online: Workable Zoning Ordinances, where we dive into strategies that local governments can deploy to strike workability within their renewable energy zoning ordinances. Building upon the information provided in Parts 1 and 2 of the Renewable Energy Academy Online, Part 3 focuses on achieving a balance in ordinance design by strategically considering community priorities and common developer concerns.
View/Download slides (PDF)
As the Michigan Public Service Commission evaluates applications, and other renewable energy siting experts assess the implementation of PA 233, the resources presented here will change, and portions may no longer apply. If you believe any information is incorrect or have additional questions you’d like answered, please don’t hesitate to contact Madeleine Krol at [email protected].
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Local officials are strongly encouraged to consult with a municipal attorney.