Two Mid-Michigan counties, two big solar projects — and one growing question: how much is too much?
Published October 15, 2025 at 9:13 PM EDT
LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Local residents are raising their voices in opposition to a proposed solar panel farm in their community, set to be discussed at Livingston County's Iosco Township meeting on Thursday night. The meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m., will address two rezoning applications submitted by DTE Energy, the developer behind the project.
An online group of residents has come together to express their concerns (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1193489924924991/posts/1867911424149501/). They argue that the proposed farm, spanning up to 1,800 acres, is simply too large and would result in the unacceptable destruction of farmland and the rural community's heritage. This isn't the first time residents have voiced their disapproval; they have previously raised concerns before the township board.
A vote on DTE's rezoning request could take place at the meeting, with residents eager to see the project approved.
EATON COUNTY
Another proposed Mid-Michigan solar farm, this time spanning parts of Eaton County, has also faced similar disapproval. A petition, circulating online with nearly 800 signatures (https://www.change.org/p/urge-the-denial-of-the-hecate-fiddlehead-solar-project?recruiter=891911763&recruitedbyid=e57dce20-96be-11e8-bfdd-27340f2a06d7&utmsource=sharepetition&utmcampaign=petitiondashboardsharemodal&utm_medium=copylink), is opposing the Hecate Energy Fiddlehead Solar Project in Hamlin Township. The petition organizers and signers (https://www.facebook.com/groups/EatonRapidsCommunityConnection/posts/4078296125715860/) argue that the 2,000-acre development will have devastating consequences for wildlife, farmland, food security, and the livelihoods of nearby communities. They also express concerns about the unknown and potentially harmful long-term impacts of solar farms on the water table and environment.
Alexandra Griffith, the petition creator, emphasizes, 'Pursuing renewable energy should not come at the cost of farmland and our community's future.' The petition also highlights the disregard for community zoning laws as a reason to stop the development.
The Michigan Public Service Commission now has the power to approve large-scale renewable energy projects, thanks to House Bill 5120, which was signed into law nearly two years ago. This shift in authority has sparked debates about the use of rural land for solar farms, with community members questioning why industrializing rural land is necessary when brownfields and vacant lots could be utilized instead.
