STATEMENT: Michigan legislature passes bill for 100% clean energy by 2040

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State House passed a package of bills Friday that sets a statewide requirement for utilities to get all of their electricity from carbon-free sources by 2040 and invest in energy efficiency. The legislation now returns to the state Senate for reconciliation and then heads to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk.

If the governor signs the Clean Energy Future bills (Senate Bills 271, 273 and 502), Michigan will codify a number of crucial clean energy goals and actions, including:

• A 100% clean electricity standard by 2040
• Requiring utilities to get 15% of their electricity from renewable energy sources — such as wind or solar— through 2029 and then increase the amount of electricity that’s generated from renewables to 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035. 
• An energy storage standard of 2.5GW by 2030
• Raising caps on distributed energy sources such as rooftop solar
• Increasing electric utility energy efficiency savings requirements and goals
• Clarifying that energy efficiency programs don’t discourage building electrification 

The package of bills cleared the Michigan Senate last week. With the governor’s signature, Michigan will join 11 other states with commitments to 100% clean or renewable energy. 

In response, Johanna Neumann, senior director of Environment America’s Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy, issued the following statement:

“Michigan is joining the ranks of states who are leading the charge toward a future powered entirely by clean, renewable energy. With Governor Whitmer expected to sign these important bills into law, Michigan solidifies its place as a regional and national clean energy leader.

“Michigan has abundant renewable energy potential. Wind power alone could power the state 3.5 times over and enough sunshine hits Michigan to meet 55 times the state’s 2020 electricity demand. 

“In 2018, when Environment America launched its 100% Renewable Campaign, only Hawaii had any statewide 100% renewables timeline. Groups in Environment America’s federation played a key role in securing California’s landmark commitment to 100% clean electricity that same year. Once Michigan’s bill becomes law, a dozen states will have made 100% clean or renewable electricity commitments. Environment America and our state organizations will continue to campaign for 100% renewable energy commitments from state governments across the country in years to come.

“Commitments such as Michigan’s are expanding the realm of clean energy possibilities, and time is of the essence.The sooner we power our lives with renewable energy, the sooner our kids will have cleaner air and a healthier climate.”