MIDLAND – Renewable energy had a bad election day in Michigan, and it could lead to discussions of the state taking a more active role in the siting of wind turbine and other projects.

Four referendums that would have established guidelines for wind turbine installation were defeated Tuesday in townships in mid-Michigan’s Montcalm County. In the same county, a solar referendum was defeated in one township, after a similar referendum setting guidelines for utility-scale solar projects in another township failed during the August primary.

All lost by at least a 2-1 voting margin.

In addition, seven officials in three townships who were considered supporters of a proposed wind turbine project were successfully recalled, and replaced by residents who are against the siting of turbines in the area.

The votes cripple the prospects of a wind energy project under consideration in the rural county, but also have implications across the state, as Michigan rushes to expand green energy.

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