MichMash: Whitmer signs bills to reach ambitious clean energy goals by 2040
The clean energy bills aim to deliver on the proposals laid out in the governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which offer a roadmap for Michigan’s clean energy future.
FILE - Whitmer declared herself “a climate optimist” as she signed the 11-bill clean energy package at Detroit’s Eastern Market on Nov. 28, 2023.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a landmark energy bill package into law last week that sets an ambitious goal for Michigan to generate 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2040. Bridge Michigan reporter Janelle James sat down with MichMash host Cheyna Roth to detail how this new legislation will unfold.
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In this episode:
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs several clean energy bills focused on making Michigan carbon neutral by 2040.
- Holton Township in Muskegon County declaring themselves a “Second Amendment Sanctuary”
The clean energy bills aim to deliver on the proposals laid out in the governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which offer a roadmap for Michigan’s clean energy future and offer benchmarks for utility companies to reach their goals.
“DTE said they would reach 100% renewable resources by 2050, and Consumer Energy said they will be [carbon neutral] by 2040,” said James.
The legislation establishes that Michigan will produce 50% of its energy from renewable sources and 60% from renewables by 2035, with the goal of producing all of its energy from clean sources by 2040.
“Other things that may help Michigan reach that goal is the shifting of authority of the Michigan Public Service Commission and allows commissioners to prioritize new goals including service quality, affordability and cost effectiveness,” James said.
The legislation is also expected to 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 to Michigan for clean energy projects, according to Whitmer.
James said some rural communities are concerned about where the solar panels and other clean energy infrastructure may invade their space and environment, while some farmers are interested in the idea of renting out their land.
More from MichMash:
- Whitmer signs new laws to discourage threats and violence against health workers
- Gov. Whitmer signs landmark energy law
- MichMash: Michigan gun owners who support gun laws reform
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