IRON MOUNTAIN — A statewide ballot initiative aimed at repealing a Michigan renewable energy siting law has the support of Dickinson County Board.

The board voted 4-1 Monday to adopt a resolution in support of restoring local control for wind and solar operations and backing a petition drive led by Citizens for Local Choice. The county, the resolution states, “is opposed to corporation-prioritized action such as building utility-scale wind and solar projects in our community.”

Citizens for Local Choice gained approval last month from the Michigan Board of State Canvassers to circulate a petition to reverse parts of Public Act 233, a law passed in November that gives the state’s Public Service Commission the authority to supersede local governments in deciding whether to allow large wind and solar projects.

“This is such a serious concern,” Commissioner Joe Stevens said. “If we lose local control, we’ve all got problems.”

Commissioner John Degenaer Jr. voted no. In the past, he’s simply advocated for working within the new law.

According to Bridge Michigan, Citizens for Local Choice will need 356,958 signatures by May 29 to get the issue on the November 2024 ballot. Otherwise, the November 2026 ballot would be targeted.

The siting law takes effect Nov. 29. It sets statewide standards for solar projects of 50 megawatts or greater, wind facilities with 100 megawatts or more, and energy storage facilities with a capacity of 50 megawatts or more.

A local unit of government can adopt a “compatible renewable energy ordinance,” but it cannot be more restrictive than what’s prescribed in the law. A siting application can be denied locally, but the Public Service Commission can override that decision if it finds the denial was unreasonable.

The state legislation passed along party lines, with Republicans opposed. After it was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Dickinson commissioners joined the Michigan Association of Counties and the Michigan Townships Association in opposing the siting provision.

During debate in Lansing last year, Michigan Public Service Commission Chairman Dan Scripps told lawmakers an additional 209,000 acres of land will be needed to site wind and solar generation to hit a 60% renewable energy goal by 2035. Only about 17,000 acres are now used for that purpose, he said.

Supporters of the siting law say it’s needed because resistance to large wind and solar arrays is hurting the state’s transition to renewable energy. According to the Associated Press, a study by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University showed that at least 25 large-scale renewable energy projects in Michigan have been derailed by local restrictions.

Opponents contend the new siting law deprives local communities of the right to make their own decisions on land uses.

In other action Monday, the county board:

— Due to a lack of support for the idea from Lake Antoine Park Partners dismissed a proposal to move the Kites Over Awesome Lake Antoine event to the Dickinson County Fairgrounds in Norway. The free show is scheduled for March 8-9 and LAPP organizers remain hopeful ice conditions will be favorable.

— Appointed Annie Frey to the Dickinson County Planning Commission for a term expiring Feb. 28, 2027. Two vacancies remain.

— Filled two vacancies on the Solid Waste Management Planning Committee, appointing Tina Pirlot to represent solid waste management industry and Jim Lieburn to represent environmental interests. The terms run through June 1, 2025.