State Representative Mike Hoadley today slammed a recent proposal by Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to use eminent domain to create a stretch of transmission lines more than 250 miles long, calling the attempt to supersede the landowners’ property rights fundamentally un-American.  

“Michigan is required by a bad law to become 100% renewable by 2040, a goal which I believe to be unrealistic,” said Hoadley (R-Au Gres). “During total Democrat control in 2023, I voted no on House Bills 5120-5123, which required huge new buildouts of green energy infrastructure, replacing things that already worked. What Michigan received through this bill package was a loss of relatively inexpensive, high-return energy in exchange for expensive, subsidized and low-return energy. It’s raising our rates and now bulldozing parts of our community.”  

The recent proposal, a more than 250-mile stretch of transmission lines called the Copperton Projects, is an array of more than 20 projects in several states organized by the MISO. The projects are necessary in part because of mandates like those in Michigan, and they are planned to be completed in 2032 at the cost of over $1 billion.  

“Due to short-sighted energy policies, Michigan’s energy prices are skyrocketing, and that’s why power companies are attempting to use eminent domain to run their distribution lines through private property in our state,” Hoadley said. “These new lines that people don’t want are only happening because Michigan is required by law, from a party-line vote, to be 50% renewable by 2030, and 100% renewable by 2040. It’s bad for our community, and it’s bad for our state.” 

Hoadley remains hopeful that the many affected communities will continue to be involved in the planning process. A meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 in Sheridan Township (Gladwin County) to further discuss this project.