Springport Township residents rally against solar panel farms

SPRINGPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WILX) — Dozens of people joined together to take a stance on solar farms in Springport Township. They say, they do not want them in their backyard.

As of now, there are not any confirmed plans for solar projects in the township, but with more and more popping up around Mid-Michigan people in the rural community are concerned.

“When you see the farmland just being taken up by acres and acres of solar panels, it’s really kind of sad actually,” said Vanessa Mulnix, a resident of Springport Township.

People like Vanessa Mulnix fear Springport Township may be next.

“To use solar energy in Michigan or really anywhere in the United States is insane. It’s very intermittent. It’s extremely unreliable,” said Dr. Paul Kenyon.

The fear is sparking conversation within the community.

“We have strength in numbers. We kind of want to get a feel of where people are on this. How does the rest of the township feel about this?” said Mulnix.

People at the meeting speculated that DTE was a rumored developer in Springport Township. News 10 reached out and they confirmed they have no active plans in the township.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan calls for having 50% renewable energy by 2030. That includes wind and solar power projects throughout the state.

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