Michigan Energy Industry Groups Applaud Support of Michigan's Renewable Energy Future
Advocates look forward to building a stronger, cleaner energy landscape in the Great Lakes State
Advanced energy industry groups, including the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC), Clean Grid Alliance (CGA), American Clean Power Association (ACP), and Advanced Energy United (United) today applauded Michiganders' continued support for recent laws that will bring even more benefits to the state from renewable energy, including new income for local governments and lowered electricity costs.
According to an email sent today to the campaign's listserv, a controversial ballot initiative intended to roll back crucial reforms to clean energy siting in the state fell short of the signatures needed to be included on November's ballot.
"I see this as a signal that Michiganders aren't too eager to undo these critical siting reforms that will pay dividends to all Michiganders for decades," said Dr. Laura Sherman, President of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. "These laws will help avoid higher energy costs for the average Michigan household while creating jobs and making our economy more competitive. Michigan's clean energy economy is thriving, and we're excited to see more growth and innovation in the coming years."
The Clean Energy Future Plan, signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Nov. 28, 2023, positions Michigan to be a national leader in clean energy production by setting a statewide standard for reaching 100% carbon-free energy production by 2040 and establishing a streamlined permitting and siting process enabling landowners to use their land as they see fit. The law also provides significant economic benefits for local communities including $2,000 per MW to be used for police, fire, and infrastructure needs.
"Michiganders recognize that powering the future requires an emphasis on renewable energy production and the ongoing protection of landowner rights reinforced through this legislation," said Peder Mewis, Clean Grid Alliance Regional Policy Director. "With this infrastructure in place, Michigan is positioned to be a leader in the energy transition, powering not only the state, but also local economies and increasing jobs in rural and urban communities. Now is the time to move forward and step into this new chapter for renewable energy growth in Michigan. We thank Governor Whitmer and the Michigan legislators who made this opportunity a reality."
"Michigan is solidifying its role as a clean energy leader. The state ranks fifth in the nation for clean energy jobs—currently numbering 124,000 and growing," said Erika Kowall, Director of Midwest State Affairs for the American Clean Power Association. "People recognize that the historic legislation passed in 2023 truly unleashes the state's full clean energy potential. ACP looks forward to continuing working with Michigan leaders to further embrace our state's bountiful natural resources."
"This law has withstood the test of public scrutiny, showing that Michiganders understand the importance of allowing landowners to make their own decisions when it comes to hosting renewable energy projects that bring jobs and revenue back to rural communities, and more reliable, affordable energy to the whole state," said Trish Demeter, Managing Director for Advanced Energy United. "The resilience of this law should send a strong signal to other states. As we continue the work of implementing this law and welcoming public feedback, I hope more states will start to follow Michigan's blueprint."
Michigan clean power by the numbers:
- 1.9 million homes can be powered by clean energy generated in Michigan
- 11,400 people are employed by the clean power industry in Michigan
- $65.5 million were invested in local Michigan communities through property, state, and local taxes in 2022
- $50.4 million were paid to farmers, ranchers, and other landowners in 2022 through drought-proof land lease payments
- 3,375 MW is the estimated number of added solar capacity in Michigan over the next five years.
