Senate Energy and Environment Committee hears testimony on innovative plan to help lower utility costs and reduce carbon emissions for homes and businesses
NOTE: A graphic on the Clean Energy Future Plan is attached and included below.
LANSING, Mich. (June 22, 2023) — Today, the Michigan Senate Energy and Environment Committee began discussion of the Clean Energy Future Plan, a bill package to help support Michigan’s ongoing efforts to become a more environmentally sustainable state as climate patterns continue to change.
The bills are sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D–East Lansing) and Sen. Sue Shink (D–Northfield Twp.).
“Michigan is home to one–fifth of the world’s fresh water, and has a responsibility to protect and maintain the resources that will continue to become as sparse as they are critical as the impacts of climate change impact the landscape of the country. We should be leading the nation in implementing proactive clean energy policies,” said Sen. Singh. “With these bills and today’s hearing, we are another step closer to taking the bold and necessary action to protect our environment for generations to come, all while creating good–paying jobs and preserving our communities.”
At today’s hearing, a variety of interests expressed widespread support for the intent of the Clean Energy Future Plan to address and curb climate change. This included testimony from environmental groups (Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Environmental Council, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, and Natural Resource Defense Council), economic interests (Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, Coalition for Community Solar Access, and Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association), and health advocates (Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action and Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America–Michigan Chapter).
“We have a moment like never before here in Michigan to invest in our people, protect our air and water, create clean energy jobs and join the fight to tackle climate change,” said Government Affairs Director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Clean air, reliable energy, creating good–paying jobs and an equitable future right here in Michigan — those are kitchen table issues. Michiganders across the state are demanding action on climate change. We stand with lawmakers in moving Michigan toward 100% clean energy.”
By addressing key financial and accessibility issues with transitioning to renewable energy sources, the Clean Energy Future Plan allows more homes and businesses across the state to improve their energy usage. This plan includes:
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Cleaning the Electrical Grid: Phase out of coal–fired electricity generating plants by 2030, require utilities to make progress toward the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from power generation by 2035, and develop a 100% clean energy standard by 2035.
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Energy Waste Reduction (EWR): Achieve at least 2% annual electric energy efficiency savings by increasing the current EWR target for electric utilities, and restore the energy waste reduction target for municipal and cooperative electric utilities.
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Expand the Purview of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC): Allow the MPSC to evaluate climate, health, equity and affordability in the approval of utility Integrated Resource Plans.
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Codify Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s PA 116 Program: Allow farmers to rent land for solar operations while maintaining preservation of farmland enrolled in the PA 116 program.
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Clean Fuels Standard (CFS): Adopt to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 25% by the end of 2035.
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Repair and Decarbonize Homes and Businesses: Reduce emissions related to heating Michigan homes and businesses by 17% by 2030 by developing a Michigan Construction Decarbonization Strategic Plan.
“Michigan has a chance to remake our economy while protecting the natural resources that are so essential to our state’s identity and our people’s way of life,” said Sen. Shink. “With wildfires, dangerous air quality, and drought conditions, we have reminders of our climate crisis all around us. We must act on this legislation now to ensure our state has a ‘clean energy future.’”
“Michigan’s advanced energy industry is ready to put to action the recommendations from Gov. Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan,” said Dr. Laura Sherman, President of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “This bill package will enable more projects that create and support jobs, reduce customer energy costs, and improve energy reliability and resiliency across Michigan.”
Additional bills are being worked on as part of the Clean Energy Future Plan, including legislation to promote the purchase, use and support of electric vehicles and make energy more affordable for Michiganders. This plan, which was created through collaboration from community stakeholders, sets Michigan in motion to make effective and sustainable progress in combating the climate crisis. With increased severe storms and power outages as a result of ice, wind and rain, a majority of Michiganders support plans to lower emissions and increase accessibility to renewable energy sources for their homes and businesses.
Adopting the Clean Energy Future Plan is just the next step forward in making Michigan a more environmentally sustainable state. Protecting the natural resources of our home and ensuring that Michiganders across the state can access the tools needed to decrease their carbon footprint will continue to be a top priority.
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