LANSING, MI – The Michigan House of Representatives late Thursday passed the Clean Energy Future bill package, which represents a major step forward towards the state’s clean energy goals. The package—which includes Senate Bills 271, 273 and 502—establishes Michigan as a leader in clean energy in the Midwest and across the U.S. Key components of the bills include an increase of Michigan’s renewable portfolio standard to 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035, a 100% clean electricity target by 2040, an increase to the state’s energy efficiency standard, creation of an energy storage standard, a 10-fold increase to the state’s “cap” on rooftop solar, and a boost to building electrification programs.
The legislation now heads to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for signature.
Clean energy jobs are an important part of Michigan’s economy and the state is already home to more clean energy jobs than any other Midwest state and fifth nationwide with 124,000 workers, according to Evergreen Climate Solutions and E2’s annual Clean Jobs Midwest report. The state is also home to the second most major clean energy announcements since the Inflation Reduction Act passed with 20 large scale clean energy and electric vehicle projects announced since August of 2022, according to E2’s tracking.
The following is a statement from E2 Midwest Advocate Micaela Preskill:
“Michigan lawmakers are realizing what businesses across the state already know: Strong clean energy policy is good for the economy and good for the environment – and it’s a job creator.
“This package of smart legislation will only bolster those jobs and create tens of thousands more across Michigan – and across a wide swath of the economy. These aren’t just solar panel installers or wind turbine technicians. They include electricians, construction laborers, factory workers, HVAC technicians and LED-lighting designers.”
The following is a statement from E’Lois Thomas, President of Detroit-based energy efficiency company SEEL, LLC:
“The clean energy bills that passed the House on Thursday and Senate last week will bring benefits and job opportunities to Michiganders everywhere. Our company has provided energy efficiency improvements throughout Michigan and each retrofit – big or small – brings jobs to communities and cost savings to homeowners and businesses. Energy efficiency is an investment more and more people are making, and now Michiganders will have more options to tap into these benefits.”
Additional Resources
- Evergreen Climate Solutions + E2: Clean Jobs Midwest 2023
- E2: 2023 Clean Jobs America – Interactive Map + Tables
- E2: Clean Economy Works Home Page
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E2 is a national, nonpartisan group of business leaders, investors, and professionals from every sector of the economy who advocate for smart policies that are good for the economy and good for the environment. Our members have founded or funded more than 2,500 companies, created more than 600,000 jobs, and manage more than $100 billion in venture and private equity capital. For more information, see http://www.e2.org or follow us on Twitter at @e2org.