Advocacy News – April 18, 2025
What’s new: This week the MI Chamber helped organize and participate in two key events to highlight the importance of legislation on carbon capture bills that will soon be introduced.
- The MI Chamber hosted a tour of the TES Filer City Power Plant, which included key lawmakers from the region along with company coalition members. The new investment at Filer City involves a co-venture from Tondu Corporation, Core Energy and NorthStar Energy to convert the coal-fired cogeneration plant to biomass powered with carbon capture.
- Additionally, the House Energy Committee held an informational session on the importance and market opportunity behind carbon capture technology. Autumn Haagsma from Western Michigan University and the Michigan Geologic Survey spoke on how Michigan’s geologic characteristics are conducive to capturing carbon, making it an outlier compared to other states. MI Chamber member Bob Mannes, from Core Energy, also testified stating that carbon capture technology is proven and not new, and forthcoming legislation to give Michigan primacy over geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide will help streamline the permitting process for developers seeking to make these investments.
What else we’re doing: The MI Chamber is leading the MI SUCCESS coalition, made up of more than 70 member companies and organizations, focused on passing key legislation that will reduce barriers to carbon capture projects and support industrial de-carbonization investments in the state.
Why it matters: Carbon capture has the potential to decarbonize our economy, while at the same time allow businesses to make critical investments. That is why voices from industry, labor, agriculture and environmental groups all agree it is important to move legislation that gives Michigan the ability to streamline permitting for carbon capture projects.
- Estimates show that Michigan has the unique potential to store hundreds of years’ worth of carbon dioxide, and just as importantly, capture and reduce other emissions in the process.
- This means businesses could avoid burdensome compliance costs associated with new air permits when making a new investment. Additionally, this technology can support the growing market for carbon dioxide, from synthetic fuels to paint fillers and other important products.
What’s next: The MI Chamber will continue to gain traction on this issue, bringing together republicans and democrats in a rare demonstration of bipartisanship.
- Consider joining the MI SUCCESS coalition to support this effort. Engagement in the coalition can include participating in weekly calls, engaging with your lawmaker and writing op-eds in support of getting this legislation passed.
For more information, contact Mike Alaimo at malaimo@michamber.com