19 residents sue Northern Waters Solar, Cheboygan County over 1,700-acre solar project

A group of 19 people has sued the Northern Waters Solar Park, its parent company EDP Renewables, and Cheboygan County for placing a 1,700-acre solar development in the middle of Grant Township over the objection of neighbors.

The 40-page lawsuit, filed in the 53rd Judicial Court, claims the project violates residents’ constitutional rights to equal protection under the law and challenges Michigan’s new solar siting law, which stripped local governments of authority to block large renewable energy projects. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill into law in 2023.

The group suing includes Robert and Betty Johnson; Joseph and Sharon Long; Glen and Debra Buehner; Clark and Dawn Compton; William and Doris Wisnieski; Richard and Marla Peltier; Eric Boyd; Anthony Zalewski; Eric and Sandra Delamielleure; and Anthony and Antoinette Zalewski.

EDP Summons and Complaint by mcclallen

Michigan’s government only regulates five things at a solar facility: height, setbacks, fencing, sound, and lighting, attorney David Delaney told Michigan Capitol Confidential in a Zoom interview. He’s suing to stop the solar facility.

Delaney questioned why other businesses, such as gas stations, fast food restaurants and factories have to jump through hoops with site planning, parking, traffic, and other items while this solar plant doesn’t.

“Why is solar getting a pass? Because they believe in green energy and that ‘We can live off the sun,’” Delaney said. “Neighbors and taxpayers will get stuck cleaning this up,” he added

Northern Waters Solar Park is a proposed 110-megawatt solar energy infrastructure project in Cheboygan County. The project's goal is to deliver reliable, locally sourced power to more than 30,000 Michigan homes.

NW by mcclallen

Northern Waters received a special use permit from the county in August 2025. Pending some remaining permitting and regulatory approvals, Northern Waters is expected to supply electricity to Michigan communities in 2028, Amy Varghese, head of communications at EDP Renewables North America, LLC, told CapCon in an email.

The project is estimated to create more than $24 million in revenue in support of Cheboygan Area Schools, the Cheboygan County Road Department and Grant Township, as well as local police, fire, and public safety operations, she added

The project is expected to create up to 250 construction jobs.

Because Northern Waters received permits through local governing bodies, Grant Township and Cheboygan County are eligible to receive up to $550,000 ($275,000 to the township and $275,000 to the county) in discretionary funds from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.