UPDATE: The Hecate Solar application is officially at the state level
We started this petition when we first learned that a large-scale solar project was being proposed in our community. Since then, more than 1,200 people have signed to urge the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to deny the project.
Thank you to everyone who signed and shared it. That support helped show that this isn't just a concern held by a handful of neighbors.
Now, the situation has changed: Hecate Energy has officially submitted its application to the Michigan Public Service Commission, and the project is now moving through the state's renewable energy siting process.
That means there are now specific ways for people to participate.
1. Make your voice heard directly to the MPSC
The MPSC is now accepting public comments regarding the project. If you signed this petition because you are concerned about the loss of farmland, drainage, wildlife, property impacts, rural character, or the scale of this development, please consider submitting your own comment directly to the Commission.
MPSC Case No. U-22041 — Fiddlehead Solar / Hecate Energy Springport Solar, LLC
You can find the case information and instructions for participating here:
A personal comment from you is valuable. You don't need to be an expert or write a legal argument. Explain how this project affects you, your property, your family, your farming operation, or your community, and why you believe those impacts deserve consideration.
2.Neighboring Properties can Become Intervenors
If your property directly borders the project, you may have another option: becoming an intervenor
This is especially important for anyone who owns property directly adjacent to the proposed project and is not participating in the project.
Under Michigan's renewable energy siting law, a nonparticipating property owner whose property is adjacent to the proposed facility may intervene by right in the MPSC proceeding.
Being an intervenor is different from simply submitting a public comment. An intervenor becomes a party to the case and can participate in the contested case process, including presenting evidence, reviewing and challenging evidence, participating in hearings, and other activities allowed by the Administrative Law Judge.
You do not have to be a lawyer to represent yourself.
I am also representing myself as an adjacent property owner, and I have put together a draft Petition to Intervene that I am willing to share with other directly adjacent property owners as a starting point.
My draft Petition to Intervene
If you have questions about being an intervenor, reach out to us at our Facebook Group and an admin will get in contact with you.
Why this matters
When this petition started, our goal was simply to make sure our community's opposition was heard.
Now we have the opportunity to participate directly in the state process.
This isn't about being against renewable energy. It's about asking whether this particular project, in this particular location and at this particular scale, is appropriate for our community, and whether the impacts on agricultural land, neighboring homes, drainage, wildlife, property owners, and the rural character of our townships have been adequately considered.
If you live nearby, please don't assume that someone else will speak for you. If this project affects your property or your community, now is the time to get involved.
Thank you again to the more than 1,200 people who have supported this effort. The petition we started more than a year ago helped demonstrate that people are paying attention.
Now let's make sure that voice continues to be heard where the decision is actually being made.