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Broad coalition of groups testifies in support of a historic clean energy and climate package before the state Senate Energy and Environment Committee

LANSING — Today, a broad coalition of groups testified in support of a historic clean energy and climate package before the state Senate Energy and Environment Committee, which took testimony on the package. It was the second hearing this week on climate legislation as the state House Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee held a hearing yesterday. 

Senate Bill 271, Senate Bill 272 and Senate Bill 273 will:

• Create a 100% carbon-free electricity standard by 2035.   
• Expand policies that conserve energy because such energy savings will mean less pollution in our air and water and more savings for consumers.  
• Empower and require the Michigan Public Service Commission to regulate and hold big utilities accountable for equity, health, affordability and climate impacts.  

“It is critical to set a 100% carbon-free electricity standard by 2035, expand energy conservation and empower the Michigan Public Service Commission to regulate and hold big utilities accountable in order to protect our families and Michigan’s air and water,” said Charles Griffith, Ecology Center Climate & Energy Director. “Bold action on climate change cannot wait any longer, and this bill package is the legislation we need.”

“To protect Michigan’s air, water and our families, it is critical to set a 100% carbon-free electricity standard by 2035, expand energy efficiency and empower the Michigan Public Service Commission to hold big utilities accountable,” said Derrell Slaughter, Michigan Clean Energy Advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “Bold action on climate change cannot wait any longer. This bill package is the legislation we need now.”

"With clean energy investment soaring across the United States, a 100% clean-electricity standard will show the world that Michigan is still the heart of American manufacturing,” said Alli Gold Roberts, Senior Director of State Policy at Ceres. “Ceres and the businesses and investors we work with are pleased to see this important legislation under consideration, and we urge its swift passage."

"Access to affordable energy is a health and safety concern that should be regarded as a right, though not one that comes at the expense of vulnerable adjacent communities," said Dr. Denise Keele, Executive Director at the Michigan Climate Action Network. "We are heartened by this bill package's emphasis on energy conservation as the most logical first step to limiting cost and pollution, and its commitment to holding utilities accountable to equity and climate impacts. We will continue our efforts to push the needle on investments to deliver clean, renewable energy." 

“Michigan is almost entirely dependent upon imports from other countries and states for our coal, natural gas and oil consumption, which drains over $18 billion a year from the state economy,” said Dr. Martin Kushler, Senior Fellow with the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. “By increasing energy efficiency and Michigan-based renewable energy, this package of bills will reduce that financial drain and help keep those dollars in Michigan.”

“For generations, Michigan has been a leader in American manufacturing—but our economy is racing toward a transition to clean energy and the state has to do more work to keep up. We need policy that ensures that Michigan doesn’t just maintain competitiveness, but leads the charge,” said Courtney Bourgoin, Evergreen Action Midwest Senior Policy Advisor. “The legislation heard today will help secure billions of dollars in federal funding through the IRA, lower energy costs for Michigan households, and ensure that disadvantaged communities are properly and equitably considered in policy decisions. Let’s get this done.”