Senate package will secure federal investments, lower household energy costs, and create jobs
In response to the passage of the Senate’s clean energy package through the Michigan Senate Energy Committee, Evergreen Action Midwest Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager Courtney Bourgoin released the following statement:
“Right now, Governor Whitmer and the State Legislature have a historic opportunity to pass legislation that will establish Michigan as a national leader in clean energy. The climate package being considered by the Senate will establish a 100 percent clean energy standard, lower energy costs, and spur the creation of quality jobs in communities across the state.
“This legislation is popular with Michigan voters, who strongly support a 100 percent clean energy standard that drives down climate pollution, lowers electricity bills, and creates new jobs in a prosperous clean energy future. These bills—along with the clean energy siting package under consideration in the House—would help secure an additional $7.8 billion in federal investment and save households at least $145 on their energy bills. After years of facing the economic impact of deindustrialization, Michigan has the opportunity to be a global leader in a new clean energy manufacturing boom.
“The governor and legislative leaders must act urgently to get these bills passed through both chambers and signed into law before the end of the year. And once the state takes this critical step to move toward an affordable clean energy future, we must immediately follow with additional utility reform legislation that ensures that all Michigan ratepayers achieve maximum benefits from the savings provided by a cleaner, more affordable energy grid.
“We urge the Legislature to ensure these monopolies are operating transparently, keeping rates affordable for Michigan families, and reducing climate pollution in communities with fossil fuel infrastructure. Let’s get it done.”
Earlier this year, Evergreen Action and the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council unveiled a report from 5 Lakes Energy detailing the economic benefits of passing a clean energy standard and other climate policies. The report found that in addition to saving Michigan households an average of $145 a year in energy costs, the package would secure $7.8 billion more in federal investment from the Inflation Reduction Act and drive the creation of nearly 160,000 quality jobs.
In addition to the economic benefits, 100 percent clean energy is also extremely popular among Michigan voters. In a poll Evergreen released in April by Data for Progress, 65 percent of voters supported legislation to transition the state’s energy grid to 100 percent clean energy and 73 percent of polled voters want the Legislature to do more to keep energy bills affordable.