Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced her endorsement of legislation that would require the state to generate all of its electricity from carbon-free sources within 12 years. Currently, almost 57% of Michigan’s electricity comes from coal and natural gas power plants. The proposed bills aim to change this energy mix by significantly increasing the use of renewables like wind and solar power. Under the Senate version of the legislation, renewables would need to increase fivefold to generate 60% of the state’s electricity by 2030. The House’s legislation sets targets of 40% wind and solar power by 2027 and 60% by 2030. Michigan’s existing nuclear plants may count towards these targets, and utilities would be allowed to build new nuclear reactors or power stations in the following years.
During her speech, Whitmer emphasized the importance of enacting a 100% clean energy standard for Michigan, stating that it would lead to cleaner air and water for future generations. To achieve the ambitious target of fivefold growth in renewables within seven years, the governor called on legislators to provide more tools to the Michigan Public Service Commission to speed up the permitting process for clean energy projects.
The push for clean energy legislation comes in the wake of power outages caused by storms, leaving hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents without electricity in the summer heat. Michigan’s utilities have been criticized for their poor reliability despite charging higher rates compared to other Great Lakes states. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce expressed concerns about the economic burden of the legislation, but advocates argue that the utilities need to be held accountable for their failure to prepare for climate change.
If passed, Michigan would join 13 other states that have enshrined 100% clean energy goals into law. This legislation is part of Governor Whitmer’s broader progressive agenda, positioning her as a potential future Democratic White House contender.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
