11/29/23 - Governor Whitmer Signs Energy Related Bills

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 9:26 AM

file image - wind turbine

The Governor signed a series of bills that she says, will allow the state to deliver 100% clean energy by 2040.

DETROIT - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Tuesday that will help Michigan reach a goal of requiring all energy produced in the state to be “clean” by 2040.

She says the state government will take over the approval of large solar, wind and energy storage projects.

“Our 100% clean energy standard will make Michigan a national leader: top-five nationwide and No. 1 in the Midwest,” Whitmer told supporters at a signing ceremony in Detroit.

Targets are set for 15% “renewable” energy (nuclear, solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower) through 2029, 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035.

Michigan currently gets 34% of its electricity from natural gas-fired plants, while renewable sources such as wind and solar account for about 12%.

The bills were passed along party-line votes.

Republicans, argue the new standard threatens energy reliability and will increase consumer costs. They don't agree with the carbon capture requirements and argue that utilities will pass the costs of this technology onto ratepayers.

A major roadblock to widespread clean energy production has been rural communities voting down proposals.

Bills that were signed into law also make it easier for Michiganders to put solar panels on their roofs and install heat pumps. And there will be a new state office to support energy and auto workers affected by the green energy shift.

The full list of bills signed is Senate Bills 271, 273, 277, 502 and 519, and House Bills 5120 and 5121.

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