A Pause That Raises Big Questions
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has officially paused new state land leases for utility-scale solar projects. The move applies to state-managed forestlands and public properties, effectively halting solar development on millions of acres until further review.
Supporters say the pause is necessary to protect natural resources. Critics call it a short-sighted decision that could choke off Michigan’s clean energy future. (Detroit Free Press coverage)
Why the DNR Hit Pause
According to state officials, the pause was issued to give the agency time to study long-term land use implications. Concerns include:
- Loss of wildlife habitat from large solar arrays.
- Impact on recreational areas like hunting and camping.
- Potential conflicts with forestry and conservation goals.
The DNR says it is “balancing renewable energy development with the preservation of public lands.”
Why Critics Are Worried
The decision comes as Michigan faces ambitious renewable energy targets, including a law requiring 100% clean energy by 2040. Critics argue:
- Lost opportunity: State lands represent vast open areas ideal for solar siting, and pulling them off the table limits options.
- Shift to farmland: Blocking public lands means developers will turn to private farmland, deepening tensions between agriculture and energy.
- Mixed signals: Michigan lawmakers just passed laws to speed renewable projects, while the DNR appears to be hitting the brakes.
- Investor hesitation: Developers want clear rules. Policy whiplash discourages long-term investment.
The Bigger Implications for Michigan
The pause highlights a critical tension in solar development: where to put large projects.
- Farmland pressure: Farmers already worry about losing prime cropland to solar. If public lands are off-limits, farmland becomes the primary target.
- Local backlash risk: With fewer state land options, townships may face more applications, fueling zoning battles.
- Policy inconsistency: Clean energy goals require land, but agencies like the DNR are cautious about giving it up.
This decision may force Michigan to consider other alternatives, such as expanding brownfield solar projects or incentivizing agrivoltaics to balance farming with renewable energy.
Sources
- Detroit Free Press: DNR halts state land leases for solar projects — https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/05/23/dnr-halts-state-land-leases-utility-scale-solar-projects/83794371007/
- Bridge Michigan: DNR to halt new state land solar leases — https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/michigan-dnr-halt-new-state-land-solar-leases
- Michigan Legislature: Clean energy goals in PA 235 (100% clean energy by 2040) — https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2023-2024/publicact/htm/2023-PA-0235.htm
