Michigan's Clean Energy Legislation: A Game-Changer for Renewable Energy

Michigan's Democrat-controlled legislature has passed a package of clean energy bills, including Senate Bill 271, which requires major utilities to achieve 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2040. The bills aim to fight climate change, reduce energy costs for disadvantaged communities, and expand reliance on low-cost renewable energy. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign the bills, which closely align with her plan for the state to achieve economy-wide carbon-neutrality by 2050. The legislation sets aggressive targets for renewable energy and allows for the inclusion of nuclear power and fossil gas plants with carbon capture. Environmental groups have expressed concerns about the inclusion of these provisions and the lack of more aggressive targets. However, the 2040 carbon-free target will lay the groundwork for faster carbon reduction and bring health and economic benefits to the state.