Plowing farmland for solar panels and Trump inauguration? in Washington D.C.

Keeping it Real With Dave Bondy

This is a recap of my Keeping it Real Show from Sunday. I look deep into the issue of a proposed solar panel facility in Tuscola County, Michigan and I am talking to a person from Saginaw, Michigan who is at the inauguration in Washington D.C.

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PLOWING OVER FARMLAND FOR SOLAR IN MICHIGAN

ARBELA TWP, Mich. — A proposed solar farm by Ranger Power has sparked debate in this rural community, located in Tuscola County. Residents are expressing concerns about the environmental, economic, and aesthetic impacts of the project, which could cover large tracts of farmland and wooded areas with solar panels.

The proposal would transform portions of farmland and rolling hills into solar energy facilities as part of Michigan’s broader push to generate 60% of its electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2030. While the initiative aligns with state environmental goals, local opposition is mounting.

“We’re talking about cutting down woods and stripping farmland that has been part of this community for generations,” said Aric Pogareski, a local resident. “I understand the financial incentives for some property owners, but is it worth the long-term impact?”

Critics argue that the project could disrupt the area's ecosystem, threatening wildlife habitats and increasing runoff into local waterways. Residents also worry about the reliability of solar energy in Michigan’s winter climate, where prolonged cloudy conditions are common.

A 2023 state law that centralizes wind and solar development approvals at the state level has made it harder for local townships to regulate such projects. While some residents have called for a vote, it remains unclear if the township will have the authority to block the project.

Many, like Pogareski, are urging transparency and community involvement. “We need independent studies and clear answers about the long-term consequences,” he said.

The next township meeting is expected to draw significant attendance as residents push for more input on a decision that could transform their community.

For now, the debate underscores the tension between Michigan’s renewable energy ambitions and the preservation of its rural landscapes.

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MICHIGAN MAN AT INAUGURATION

I talked to Saginaw, Michigan resident Mark Stabek who is in Washington D.C for the Inauguration.