Leelanau County's Energy Futures Task Force Faces Turbulent First Year

The Leelanau County Energy Futures Task Force (EFTF) was launched last fall with the ambitious goal of identifying and facilitating the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives in Leelanau County. However, the task force's first year has been marked by significant controversy, including allegations of Open Meetings Act violations, conflict-of-interest accusations, and public infighting among its members and local officials.

Powering Progress or Polarizing Debate?

Launching the EFTF: A Collaborative Effort

The EFTF was established in September 2021 after Leelanau Energy, a grassroots citizens group, approached the county about creating a permanent energy-focused committee. With the support of District 6 Commissioner Gwenne Allgaier, the county board approved the formation of the task force for an initial one-year term.

Navigating Turbulent Waters: Controversies and Conflicts

The task force's first year, however, has been marked by significant challenges. At a county commission meeting in January, EFTF chair Joe DeFors engaged in a heated exchange with District 1 Commissioner Melinda Lautner, who criticized a proposal to seek state grant funds for the installation of solar panels on the county's governmental center property in Suttons Bay. Lautner, despite being a member of the 14-person task force, has since opposed many of the group's initiatives.The conflict has extended beyond the solar panel proposal, with both DeFors and Lautner accusing each other of conflicts of interest. Lautner has pointed to DeFors' affiliations with Leelanau Energy, while DeFors has raised questions about Lautner's status as a board member for two utilities, Cherryland Electric and Wolverine Power Cooperative.

Alleged Open Meetings Act Violations

The EFTF's troubles have not been limited to internal conflicts. This past spring, a Northport resident filed a complaint with the Leelanau County prosecutor's office, accusing the task force of violating the Open Meetings Act (OMA) by not posting notices or minutes for its first several meetings. While DeFors attributed the oversight to a misunderstanding about the task force's status as a public body, a Michigan State Police investigation concluded that the EFTF had indeed violated the OMA, though the prosecutor declined to prosecute due to "insufficient evidence to show this was an intentional violation."

Extending the EFTF: Seeking a Renewed Mandate

Despite the rocky first year, DeFors urged county commissioners at a recent meeting to extend the EFTF for another three years, citing pending grant applications and support from 13 of the 14 task force members (with Lautner abstaining). The commissioners plan to discuss the future of the task force at their November meeting.

Accusations of Misinformation and Hypocrisy

In addition to his report, DeFors submitted a written public comment accusing District 4 commissioner candidate Jim White of spreading "misinformation" and "environmental myths" against the task force and its supporters. DeFors claimed that White's criticisms of the proposed solar array project were based on talking points from a paper associated with the Mackinac Center, a "far-right think tank."White, who is running against incumbent (and board chair) Ty Wessell, has expressed doubts about the efficacy of solar power in northern Michigan, claimed that solar panel manufacturing involves child labor, and argued that the proposed solar array would amount to "visual pollution." In contrast, Wessell has expressed support for the solar project.The ongoing tensions and accusations within the EFTF and the broader Leelanau County political landscape highlight the challenges of navigating the complex and often contentious issues surrounding energy policy and sustainability initiatives at the local level.