A package of renewable energy bills has passed the Michigan Legislature and is now on its way to be signed into law by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Dubbed the Clean Energy Future Plan, the new legislation will require Michigan utilities to acquire 15% of electricity from renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar, through 2029 and then increase the amount of electricity from renewables to 50% by 2030, 60% by 2035 and 100% by 2040.
The new plan sees Michigan join 11 other states with commitments to reach a 100% clean energy net-zero future on a similar schedule.
Additionally, Michigan’s new clean energy laws grant authority to the Michigan Public Service Commission to approve large solar, wind and battery storage projects and make it easier to deploy clean energy in the state.
“This is a major step forward for Michigan, and we want to recognise Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature for their leadership on these critical energy issues.
This new legislation works to secure Michigan’s clean energy future but also to make certain the state is positioned to benefit from the valuable new jobs, tax revenue, and ongoing investment that renewable energy brings,” said Erika Kowall, Director, Midwest State Affairs, American Clean Power Association (ACP.)
“Michigan is already fifth in the nation for clean energy jobs-currently numbering 124,000-and the Clean Energy Future Plan puts the state in position to see many years of new opportunities and growth resulting from clean energy.
“ACP looks forward to continuing to work with Michigan leaders to help unleash the state’s full clean energy potential.”