This can be organized into four clear ways people can help:

Take Action

The process in Oshtemo Township is not over. Residents still have a voice, but we must use it now—before the Township finishes the ordinance that could create a path forward for the developer.

1. Support Citizens for Responsible Energy Development Southwest MI

We need your monetary help to keep neighbors informed, connected, and prepared. 

Donations help cover legal and professional guidance, neighborhood mailings, printed materials, meetings, website costs, and community outreach. Keeping residents informed is one of the strongest tools we have. When neighbors know what is happening and stand together, our community is harder to ignore.

We are a registered 501(c)(4) organization, and all funds are handled in accordance with applicable laws and reporting requirements.

If you can please click to donate online today to help keep our community informed, organized, and strong.

2. Connect and Volunteer

Fill out our Neighbor Connection Card to receive important updates and learn about ways to help.

Volunteers are needed for research, community outreach, meeting support, distributing information, contacting experts, and helping neighbors stay connected. You do not need special experience—there is a role for everyone.

Complete the Connection Card and join the coalition.

3. Attend Meetings and Speak Out

The most important thing residents can do right now is show up.

Attend Planning Commission meetings, Township Board meetings, ordinance workshops, special meetings, and public hearings involving the proposed Battery Energy Storage System or the Township’s energy ordinance.

Ask questions. Speak during public comment. Submit written concerns. Put your concerns on the public record.

Residents should continue asking:

  • Who is writing the ordinance, and what are their qualifications?
  • Why have residents and independent experts not been meaningfully included?
  • Why is the Township focused on making the ordinance workable for a developer when so many residents oppose the project?
  • Why are rural residential areas being considered when industrial-zoned land exists?
  • What independent fire, groundwater, environmental, noise, road, and emergency-response experts has the Township consulted?
  • What protections will apply township-wide—not only inside a narrow energy ordinance?

This project raises serious questions involving fire risk, toxic smoke, contaminated runoff, emergency water demand, noise, roads, wetlands, groundwater, agriculture, and nearby homes. These issues require independent professional review—not simply developer assurances.

Every meeting attended, question asked, comment submitted, and concern placed on the record matters.

See our Facebook page for the upcoming meetings, attend, and make your voice heard.

4. Take Action Beyond the Township

You do not need to live in Oshtemo Township to help. Michigan residents can also take action at the state level.

Contact the Michigan Public Service Commission

Ask the MPSC to strengthen protections for communities and carefully consider the health, safety, environmental, and land-use impacts of placing utility-scale battery facilities near homes, farms, schools, and businesses.

Contact the MPSC and submit your concerns.

Sign the Petition

Sign the petition opposing the proposed Van Kal Battery Energy Storage System and other utility-scale BESS developments located within two miles of homes and schools in Michigan.

Sign and share the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/oppose-battery-energy-storage-system-bess-developments-near-homes

Stay Informed. Show Up. Stand Together.

Public participation matters. Pay attention to who is making decisions, who is listening, who is asking hard questions, and who is protecting residents.

Use your voice at public meetings—and at the ballot box.