Zeeland Charter Township Opposes Silver Maple Solar

Protecting our farmland, local control and our community’s long-term vision.

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About this initiative

RWE’s plan to develop a nearly 2,000-acre solar farm in Zeeland Charter Township has created a sense of surprise, confusion and anger for many in our community. It has also raised a statewide question about the balance between sustainable development and local governance.

As the conversation plays out here and in the courts, Zeeland Charter Township has launched an initiative called “Your Township Your Voice” to create a much-needed space for listening, responding and sharing information with our residents around this topic.

Weathered wooden shed with peeling white paint under a large tree, next to a grassy yard scattered with fall leaves.

White gazebo on a green lawn beneath a large shade tree, with a white fence and bright sun behind it.

Curving concrete walking path through mowed grass, lined with trees and shrubs turning red and gold for fall.

What’s Happening:

RWE, utilizing PA 233, has disregarded local zoning control to push its solar facility development forward.

Michigan Public Act 233 is a new law, enacted in 2023, which gives the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) authority to approve and site large-scale renewable energy projects, disregarding local zoning laws. RWE spent nearly five years securing land for Silver Maple Solar before presenting it to Zeeland Charter Township, then chose to bypass local zoning and seek state approval under PA 233.

The planned solar facility is about the same land area as the entire City of Zeeland, and it does align with the township’s current zoning or master plan.

More on how this has unfolded:

KEY DATES TIMELINE

FAQs

Why This Matters to Zeeland Charter Township:

1. Local control is a core value to our community

Our township was settled nearly 180 years ago by immigrants seeking religious and political freedom. This is a community built on agriculture, family, self-reliance and faith – and these values continue to guide our community’s planning today. We believe our residents must retain the ability to input and shape development of their neighborhoods through their local government, not through Lansing.

2. Renewable Energy

For decades, in collaboration with our residents, the Township has carefully master-planned for the development of residential, commercial and industrial properties while also identifying land that should remain agricultural. We believe that the residents of a community know it best and should have a say in what belongs here and where it belongs.

3. Farmland preservation is a long-term strategy for our community

Not only is agriculture a 180-year way of life for our township, it is also an economic necessity. Farming and agribusiness are economic growth engines for the Township and broader county. Silver Maple Solar removes 1,900 acres of prime farmland that is currently driving our local economy

Documenting Local Concerns

Residents can count on the Township to hear and document your concerns through this initiative. Your input will strengthen our response to RWE, MPSC and through State officials. Zeeland Charter Township is doing all that is legally possible to oppose this development and the erosion of local land use control caused by Michigan Public Act 233.

Our Community is United.

The Zeeland Charter Township Board unanimously opposes the Silver Maple Solar project. What’s more, local control and farmland preservation have bipartisan support at the county and state level. Residents, lawmakers and partners from all political perspectives are standing together in opposition to the project.