Timeline

Key moments for the Silver Maple Solar development and the township’s response.

2020

RWE begins approaching landowners

The earliest records show RWE engaging landowners in leases and nearby property owners in “good neighbor” agreements.

November 2023

PA 233 enacted

Michigan lawmakers pass Public Act 233, giving developers of large-scale wind, solar and energy storage facilities the option to seek state approval instead of local approval.

November 2024

PA 233 takes effect

The law takes effect, moving final siting decisions for qualifying facilities to the Michigan Public Service Commission when developers choose that route.

August 2025

RWE presents Silver Maple Solar to the township

After spending nearly five years securing land, RWE presents its plans for Silver Maple Solar to Zeeland Charter Township.

April 2026

RWE files with the MPSC

RWE bypasses local zoning and files its application for Silver Maple Solar with the state under PA 233.

April 2026

Township Board opposes the development

The Zeeland Township Board unanimously opposes Silver Maple Solar.

April–September 2026

Township takes legal action

The township intervenes in the MPSC case, files a lawsuit challenging PA 233 and adopts a moratorium on new data centers and energy facilities.

May 2026

Court of Appeals ruling

In a statewide PA 233 case, the Michigan Court of Appeals rules that counties must be included as affected local governments. RWE later pauses its application to respond.

Read the ruling (PDF)