Advocacy News – Oct. 13, 2023
Energy policy is complicated and relies on a diverse array of generation and infrastructure solutions, but the legislation being proposed would put Michigan’s energy future in a straitjacket.
What happened: This week the Michigan Senate released a new round of bill drafts for Senate Bill 271, 273 and 502, bills that would dramatically change how electric providers could generate power and expand the scope of the Michigan Public Service Commission in an unprecedented, broad and vague way. By severely limiting what types of resources we can use to meet our energy needs over the course of just a few short years, legislators are recklessly putting all of our eggs in one basket without considering the consequences.
What’s next: Policymakers in Lansing have resisted the call for a constructive, deliberative stakeholder process, instead rooting changes in idealogy and politics. Unfortunately, it is Michigan businesses that will shoulder the burden, all while creating deep uncertainty as to whether Michigan will be able to keep the lights on. The Michigan Chamber continues to lead the Coalition for Clean Affordable and Reliable Energy (CARE) to fight these unworkable proposals, find common ground and craft data-driven policies that can be realized. This coalition is comprised of a wide array of stakeholders concerned that the Senate energy proposals would lead to huge spikes in energy costs and all the while make our grid less reliable. It is possible that the Senate may attempt to take them up for a vote as soon as Tuesday, despite strong opposition.
Go deeper: To learn more about the CARE Coalition and join these efforts, visit here today. For queestions or more information, contact Mike Alaimo at malaimo@michamber.com.