Liberty Farms Solar Project Continues Through Public Hearing Process in Richland Township

Consumers Energy Proposed Solar Farm Faces Continued Opposition at Third Public Hearing

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP — The proposed Liberty Farms Solar project continues through its public hearing process in Richland Township as officials prepare for a third planning commission meeting on May 27.

Consumers Energy announced plans for the Liberty Farms Solar project in February 2025. The project would span 1,200 acres and expects to bring 220 megawatts of renewable energy, which would power over 50,000 homes. The project is in the application process, as township officials are going through a public hearing process spanning multiple planning commission meetings.

Township Supervisor Bear Priest told News Channel 3 that time has been exhausted in the last two meetings due to so many public comments, many in opposition of the project. They will hold a third meeting on May 27 at Gull Lake Middle School at 6:30 P.M.

Priest said it is important for the township board to hear all points of view about the project. Those seven members who live here, work here in our community, he said, need to hear from our residents.

Resident Concerns Center on Agricultural Land and Property Values

Among residents who have spoken out against the project, Richard Jamieson said he lives about 170 yards from where the solar panels would be built. He said he does not want to see the project materialize near where he lives, because the panels would take up fertile farm land and destroy the soil.

There is nothing good about it at all, said Jamieson. Its gonna kill the value of property around here. This is rich land. Its been Richland because it is. Who wants to look at that stuff anyway?

Township Officials Say They Need to Hear All Points of View

Priest hopes public comment will wrap up at the next meeting, so the planning commission can begin reviewing the application from Consumers Energy. I would anticipate it will take a few meetings after the public hearing is over before the planning commission is ready to make a decision on the application, said Priest.

Consumers Energy shared a statement to News Channel 3 on where things stand. Consumers Energy is working through the permitting process with Richland Township and other partners and remains committed to ensuring the proposed Liberty Solar project aligns with all local and state requirements. As part of this process, we are supporting community events and working collaboratively with local officials, stakeholders, and residents to share information, answer questions, and gather input.

The project is part of Consumers Energy broader plan to meet Michigan energy needs now and into the future through an all-of-the-above approach that delivers affordable, secure, and reliable power every hour of every day. Supporting Michigan long-term energy reliability remains a cornerstone of helping communities and the state continue to thrive.

For more on the meeting set to take place on May 27, you can visit Richland Townships website.