State senators announce “Clean Energy Future Plan” to create jobs, lower costs, protect our health

LEGISLATION WILL IMPLEMENT GOV. WHITMER’S MI HEALTHY CLIMATE PLAN, MOVE MICHIGAN TO 100% CLEAN ENERGY BY 2035

LANSING – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today hailed the “Clean Energy Future Plan,” announced by members of the Michigan State Senate that will move Michigan to 100% clean, renewable energy by 2035, boost energy efficiency, empower the Michigan Public Service Commission and upgrade homes and businesses to reduce energy usage, among other initiatives.

“Taking action on climate change is a kitchen table issue, and this legislation will set Michigan on a path toward cleaner air, good-paying jobs, lower costs and a healthy, livable future,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “We are at a crossroads: continue with business as usual, or be bold and take advantage of the opportunity we have with historic federal funds and leadership that is committed to protecting our future. We stand with lawmakers introducing this critically important legislation and urge legislators in both chambers to make this a top priority.”

A poll of Michigan voters released April 10 by Data For Progress found there is broad, bipartisan support for many of the initiatives announced by members of the Senate today. Toplines from the poll include:

• 73% support increasing the share of electricity that is produced from renewable energy sources, like wind and solar power
• 61% of voters support moving Michigan to a 100% clean energy grid by 2035
• 80% of voters support increasing investments for homes and businesses to improve energy efficiency and lower bills
• 70% of voters support strengthening the Michigan Public Service Commission’s authority to consider affordability, pollution reduction and resilience against extreme weather in its decision making

The legislation will do the following:

• Clean 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. 
• Boost 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.  
• 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.  
• 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. 
• Establish a Clean Fuels Standard (CFS): Adopt to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 25% by the end of 2035.
• 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.