LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – A proposed plan to cover northern Michigan forestland with solar panels has sparked debate over what’s the best way to provide renewable energy.

The debate comes after a report showed the Department of Natural Resources proposed a plan to lease 420 acres of state land near Gaylord to build a solar farm.

State Republican lawmakers are calling for firings at the DNR after learning of the proposed plan.

“I’ve actually talked with neighbors whose property abuts this. They’re very concerned now what’s going to happen to their property value if all those trees they’re enjoying now get bulldozed,” Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord).

The DNR is considering holding a public comment period. However, a new state law passed in 2023 gives the state the final say over local governments on whether or not to approve renewable energy projects like wind and solar farms.

Doug Bessette, an Associate Professor at Michigan State University’s Department of Community Sustainability said something needs to be done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Especially as we see demand for electricity grow due to AI and data centers and electrification of things like vehicles,” Bessette explained.

However, he pointed to research that shows removing forestland for solar farms could actually lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

A national survey conducted by MSU showed that 75 percent of people don’t want solar panels put on forested land.

“People prefer more involvement in planning processes around solar and I think you’re seeing that with this pretty overwhelming response to this DNR announcement,” Bessette explained.

Rep. Borton lives near the proposed solar farm. He said while looking into the proposal he found a second plot of land that he said the DNR has already leased for a 1,011-acre solar farm about an hour south in Roscommon County.

Rep. Borton said lawmakers are sending the director of the DNR another letter asking them to put a pause on both projects.

“We’re going to take a look at their authority, their ability to do it. We’re going to say, ‘halt, do not do any more until we come to the table and we can sit down and figure out what’s going on,‘” Rep. Borton said.

The DNR did not respond to our request for comment.

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