Michigan Passes Landmark Statewide Siting and Permitting Reform; Goes to Governor Whitmer for Signing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. PAUL, MINN (November 8, 2023) - Today, the Michigan Legislature passed House Bills 5120-5121, which would streamline and improve the siting of wind, solar and energy storage projects in the state. In addition, the Legislature finalized bills that would establish a 100% carbon-free energy standard by 2040, enact an energy storage procurement target and increase energy waste reduction among other things.
"Clean Grid Alliance is proud to have led a coalition of partner organizations in this historic effort to improve the siting and permitting of clean energy projects throughout Michigan," said Peder Mewis, Regional Policy Director for Clean Grid Alliance. "The best part of this legislation is that it doesn't leave local communities out. The bill includes a pathway for developers and communities to work together first, without going to the Commission for the permitting process, ensures that benefits from projects flow to local communities, and protects landowners who see clean energy as a means to keep their farms in the family for generations to come."
The coalition of partners included the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC), American Clean Power Association (ACP), Advanced Energy United (United), and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). These organizations collectively represent hundreds of businesses in the clean power industry and thousands of employees who can look forward to continuing their careers in the forefront of the clean energy transition while being paid prevailing wages.
Clean Grid Alliance and the coalition of advanced energy industry groups look forward to Governor Whitmer's signature on this historic legislation, which will enable the state to achieve its 100% clean energy goals.
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Contact:
Kelley Welf
Communications Director
kwelf@cleangridalliance.org
612-978-2444
Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minn., whose mission is to advance renewable energy in the Midwest. Launched in 2001, CGA has been an active stakeholder in the MISO process at the state and regional levels and a leading organization working on transforming state energy policy. CGA's membership includes industry representatives working in wind, solar, and storage as well as environmental nonprofit organizations, public interest groups, clean energy advocates, farm groups, and businesses providing goods and services to the renewable energy industry who come together to reduce carbon and deliver a renewable energy future. Learn more at cleangridalliance.org.
