When it comes to the state takeover of solar and wind projects, we sense an undercurrent.

Or, as opponents would say, a power surge.

Either way, Michigan voters will get another chance to weigh in to the Public Act 233 that puts final approval of large-scale renewable energy projects of more than 50 kw into Michigan Public Service Commission’s hands. It is a hedge against a growing movement to repeal supported by the Michigan Farm Bureau and the Michigan Townships Association.

We don’t like to see this cast as a simple issue of local control versus climate action. It gets overly simplistic when we pit planet against Constitution; the ideas aren’t mutually exclusive and it’s not an accurate picture of what’s happening on the ground.

Or — more to the point — what isn’t happening on the ground.

Supporters of the move point to a national trend of growing local opposition to renewable energy facilities that potentially form barriers to meeting climate goals.

An ongoing study of these restrictions by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School shows Michigan townships and authorities have a number of these, but we’re not hostile compared to other states.

So for us, it becomes a question of accountability. Do we want elected officials – who have a greater chance of taking our feelings into account – on the hook for their decisions or a commission appointed by the governor of our state? Do we need an anvil when we have other means, like the judicial branch, to settle disputes?

We don’t doubt the developers of these projects would rather deal with the state’s public service commission, appointees staggered on six-year terms who speak the same language and are looking to state and national climate goals to feather their caps.

But part of the duty of government is to translate, build consensus and find solutions that make sense for the locality where projects are proposed.

Misinformation and NIMBYism are particular foes, but hardly new ones.

Like affordable housing, the need to build renewable energy sites is indisputable and they must go somewhere.

Let’s work with the people on the ground who are more accountable to which way the wind blows before draining power from the process.

Virtual public meetings are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. March 7 and March 19 to prepare for a public comment period starting July 17. The act will go into effect in November.

— Traverse City Record-Eagle