Michigan Resident Voices Concerns Over Proposed Hemlock Solar Farm
Residents worry about impact on rural lifestyle, environmental risks from large-scale solar project
HEMLOCK, Mich. - A proposal to install 33 acres of solar panel farms in Hemlock has sparked controversy among local residents, with many voicing concerns over the potential impact on their rural way of life.
Rachel Lijewski, a resident of Freeland in Saginaw County, said the proposed solar farm would drastically alter the landscape of her rural community. "Most people moved out to rural areas for a reason," Lijewski said. "Putting up these solar farms is going to ruin that way of life for us."
The possible solar farm project would be built by NextEra Energy based out of Florida.
Support my independent journalism by becoming a paid subscriber for $5 a month. You can quit at any time. Help me to keep this free.
The proposal has generated significant opposition in the community, with many residents expressing their displeasure in local social media groups. Lijewski noted that her recent Facebook post about the issue was removed due to the heated responses it generated.
Watch the entire interview below:
A township meeting is scheduled for Monday evening at the Hemlock administration building to discuss the project. Lijewski urged residents to attend the meeting and voice their concerns.
In addition to the aesthetic and lifestyle concerns, Lijewski pointed to potential environmental risks. She mentioned that the proposed height of the solar structures has been increased from 12 to 18 feet, which she said would dominate the rural landscape. She also expressed worry about the possibility of chemical leaks from damaged panels contaminating local well water.
The project is part of a broader push for renewable energy in Michigan, championed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. However, Lijewski and others argue that such projects should be located in industrial areas rather than on farmland or near residential communities.
The Michigan Public Service Commission, a three-member board appointed by the governor, has the authority to certify these facilities, limiting the control of local governments over such projects.
"I understand the benefits of green energy, but there are better places for these solar farms," Lijewski said. "This isn't about being against renewable energy; it's about finding the right locations for it."
The township meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the administration building on Hemlock Road, across from the high school.
A 2023 Michigan law reduces local governments' authority to block wind and solar projects. It is not known how that law will impact what decision will be made my Hemlock officials.
Michigan Democrats led by Governor Gretchen Whitmer have said they want to be at 60% renewable and 100% clean energy by 2040.
Many residents haven’t heard of this solar farm. Plus when these go up there’s never any discount on our energy bills. So who’s it saving money for. The energy companies. Then aren’t they price gouging us if they don’t lower our bills after these solar farms go up to save only them money. You’d think surrounding residents would get some type of break on there energy costs.
Solar power is great. Using farmland to create is is not great. We are all going to need to be self sufficient within the next 12-18 months. If there is no farmland to grow crops, we will starve. Oh, wait, that is what Bill Gates is hoping for. It's why he's building a nuclear plant in the middle of Wyoming. He's not going to starve or have no power when the grids go down.