Program: Center for EmPowering Communities
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On April 17, 2026, the University of Michigan convened policymakers, regulators, local government leaders, industry representatives, advocates, and researchers to explore how renewable energy siting policy moves from concept to implementation.
Using Michigan’s Public Act 233 of 2023 as a case study, the symposium examined the opportunities and challenges of balancing clean energy deployment with local governance, community engagement, and practical implementation.
Symposium Videos
National Context for Renewable Energy Siting
Nelson Falkenburg, Clean Tomorrow
Origins of Michigan’s Renewable Energy Siting Framework
Dan Scripps, Michigan Public Service Commission
Understanding the Michigan Model
Madeleine Krol, University of Michigan Center for EmPowering Communities
Implementation, Perspectives, and Early Lessons
Panel featuring Sarah Mullkoff, Laura Sherman, and Catherine Kaufman
Moderated by Liesl Clark
Afternoon Practitioner Workshop
Following the public symposium, 51 invited guests participated in a workshop exploring the implementation and implications of Michigan’s renewable energy siting framework.
Small-group discussions focused on topics including workable ordinances, MPSC review, public sentiment, local incentives, and information and capacity needs.
The workshop reinforced the growing national interest in Michigan’s approach and the importance of continued cross-sector dialogue around renewable energy deployment.