What's inside Michigan's newly enacted climate action plan

[useapen]

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a package of climate-
related bills this week, putting into motion plans state leaders say will
set Michigan apart from other states in energy, job creation and more.

The Michigan Clean Energy & Climate Action law includes Democrat-led
proposals to lower household utility costs, to protect state water and
air, and to create more green energy jobs.

“Michigan’s clean energy future is bright,” said Governor Whitmer.
“Today’s bills will lower household utility costs by an average of $145 a
year, create 160,000 good-paying jobs, and bring nearly $8 billion of
federal tax dollars home to Michigan for clean energy projects. I am proud
that these bills make Michigan the best state in the Midwest for climate
action and the strongest state in the nation when it comes to labor
standards for clean energy production. Together, we are fighting for our
air, land, and water, improving public health and protecting our precious
natural resources for future generations. We are building the future in
Michigan.”

Here’s a look at what climate bills were inside the package:
Clean energy standard

Senate Bill 271 sponsored by Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) establishes a
100% clean energy standard for Michigan. The bill calls for Michigan to
produce all its energy from clean sources by 2040.

By 2030, Michigan will produce 50% of its energy from renewable sources
and 60% from renewables by 2035.

Lawmakers say meeting the standard will drive down costs for consumers
while reducing the state’s reliance on foreign fuel and create jobs.

“This legislation is a monumental step towards creating healthier
communities in Michigan and a sustainable future for our planet. By
transitioning to clean energy, we can decrease our dependence on fossil
fuels and mitigate the harmful effects of our climate crisis,” said State
Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor). “There is no Planet B — and it is
incumbent upon us to secure a clean energy future that ensures
marginalized communities are not continually, disproportionately affected
by environmental hazards.”

Energy efficiency

Senate Bill 273 sponsored by Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) improves
energy efficiency and waste reduction programs to drive down costs for
families and small businesses. It will help Michiganders upgrade their
homes to save money while ensuring access to reliable power.

“The bills signed by the Governor today set robust clean energy standards,
and position Michigan to become a leader in responsibly fostering the
critical shift away from fossil fuels, to a sustainable, clean energy
future,” said State Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), lead sponsor of
SBs 273 and 519 in the bill package. “We are demonstrating through bold
action our commitment to creating a sustainable future for our residents,
communities, workers and economy as a whole.”

Clean energy projects

House Bill 5120 sponsored by Representative Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck)
and House Bill 5121 sponsored by Representative Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton)
bolster the MPSC by authorizing them to streamline permitting of utility-
scale clean energy the same way they can currently do so for other sources
of energy.

Prioritizing local communities

Senate Bill 502 sponsored by Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township)
authorizes the MPSC to consider climate and equity in their regulatory
decisions so we can prioritize the health and well-being of our
communities as we expand energy production.

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/2023/11/29/whats-inside-
michigans-newly-enacted-climate-action-plan/

[Just Wondering]

Yes, switching to more expensive energy sources will certainly
drive down costs for consumers. I'd like to sell those lawmakers
some oceanside property in Arizona.