Advocacy News – Oc.t 27, 2023
This week, the Michigan Senate took up bills in front of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee that would hamstring the ability for electric providers to maintain the grid affordably and reliably. The committee did not share the agenda until 30 minutes prior to meeting and the new bill drafts weren’t shared until the committee had already begun.
Why it matters: The Senate later voted on different versions of Senate Bills 271, 273 and 502 yesterday evening along party lines. The bills would mandate that 60% of the state’s electricity be derived from renewable energy sources by 2035, and be 100% ‘clean energy’ by 2040. The bill package would also inject equity and environmental justice parameters into the Michigan Public Service Commission’s scope of authority.
What we’re saying: The MI Chamber remains opposed to the bills, calling for a different path to energy policy that is bipartisan and includes a diversified approach to power generation. Through its leadership of the Great Lakes Growth Coalition (GLG), the MI Chamber and its allies remain to voice strong concerns that the bills will lead to the premature retiring of existing power generation systems, that will then need to be paid for by industrial and commercial customers. Additionally, GLG partners fear these costs will then be passed on to hard working Michigan families through goods and services.
What’s next: The bills now move to the House where the MI Chamber will continue to work towards educating lawmakers on the unintended consequences that would occur should the bills pass.
God deeper: To see what the MI Chamber has to say in opposition of the bill, view featured media appearances: Detroit Free Press article, Michigan’s Big Show, Morning Wake-Up, and The Ron Jolly Show.
For more information, please contact Mike Alaimo at malaimo@michamber.com.