Michigan is capitalizing on an opportunity like never before to invest in our people, our communities, and our future.
In 2022, Governor Whitmer unveiled the MI Healthy Climate Plan, Michigan’s pathway to reduce dangerous pollution in our air and water, improve our energy reliability, create jobs, and transition Michigan to 100% carbon-free clean energy.
In November 2023, the Michigan House and Senate passed the Clean Energy & Jobs Act, historic clean energy legislation that will put the governor’s plan into law.
The Clean Energy & Jobs Act will require Michigan’s energy to come from 50% renewable sources by 2030 and 60% by 2035, expand access to energy efficiency programs like rooftop solar with dedicated spending to low-income communities, and authorize the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to regulate big energy utility companies on a broader array of issues impacting residents.
Michigan is poised to be a leader in clean energy jobs of the future, while also reducing energy costs and improving the reliability of our electric grid.
What does the Clean Energy & Jobs Act do for Michigan?
Senate Bill 271: Investing in Clean Energy
- Requires 50% of Michigan’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2030 and 60% by 2035 (a 4x increase in 10 years)
- Raises the cap on rooftop solar in Michigan from the current 1% to 10%
- Sets an energy storage standard of 2,500 MW by 2030 to stabilize the grid and increase reliability
Senate Bill 273: Boosting Energy Efficiency
- Requires utility companies to increase investments in energy efficiency to reduce energy costs by raising Michigan’s energy efficiency standards from 1% to 1.5%
- Requires a minimum of 25% of energy efficiency spending in low-income communities
- Requires utilities to recruit, hire, and train people from low-income communities to do weatherization and energy efficiency work – creating good-paying jobs and a career ladder
Senate Bill 502: Strengthening the Public Service Commission
- Expands the authority of the Michigan Public Service Commission to specifically consider low-income Michiganders, environmental justice communities, and public health when approving utility companies’ long-term energy plans
- Allows the Michigan Public Service Commission to evaluate utility plans based on affordability
- Expands customer input at the Michigan Public Service Commission to give ratepayers a stronger voice in energy decisions
Senate Bill 519: Supporting Workers
- Creates the Office of Worker and Community Economic Transition to assist workers and communities during the state’s transition to clean energy
Additionally, House Bills 5120, 5121, 5122 and 5123 will address and expand utility scale siting for both solar and wind.