LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s ‘What’s Next?’ Address shared a vision for the future of Michigan’s transition to more renewable energy sources, setting less than a decade deadline, a goal that has given some in the legislature pause. 

At the end of August, Gov. Whitmer delivered her ‘What’s Next’ Address advocating for a 100% clean energy standard in the state and changing permitting laws to give more tools to the Michigan Public Service Commission. 

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“Let’s permit clean energy projects through the MPSC—just like all other sources of energy,” Gov. Whitmer said, “ This ensures local perspectives are reflected in the planning process while also allowing us to move faster on installation.”

Rep. Alicia St. Germaine commented on Thursday some of her concerns following Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recently announced energy mandate for the entire state of Michigan, calling it “unrealistic.” 

“Large, general ideas are the oldest smokescreen in big-system politics,” St. Germaine said. “Saying we should switch from fossil fuels to more sustainable alternatives is one thing. It’s quite another to come up with a plan. I always listen for specifics in these speeches, and she offered very little. No funding plan. Nothing to ensure grid reliability. Just a dream that appeases the environmental lobby. At the end of the day, she has no regard for how this will impact families or businesses in our community.”

Other legislation that Governor Whitmer advocated for included House Bills 4759 through 4761.  The bills would require a slew of changes for energy consumption in the state and impose new regulations for energy providers until they meet a 100% carbon-free rate. 

HB 4759 in particular would redefine “renewable energy source” to exclude “petroleum, nuclear fuel, natural gas, coal, hydrogen, solid waste, biofuel,” and only accept renewable energy resources that come from the “sun or from thermal inertia of the earth and minimizes the output of toxic material in the conversion of the energy.” The bill removes biomass as an option but allows for “solar and solar thermal energy, wind energy, kinetic energy of moving water.” 

Representative Jaime Greene (R-Richmond), member of the House Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee wrote many of her concerns in a Detroit News opinion piece.

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“Michigan’s pursuit of a forward-looking energy strategy requires a savvy, all-encompassing approach that taps into the diverse strengths of various energy sources,” Rep. Greene wrote in the Detroit News. 

For Rep. Greene, the package of bills sets an “audacious renewable energy mandate” and forces electric providers to maintain a 100% carbon-free energy portfolio by 2035. 

“Within these bills, a directive emerges for Michigan’s electric companies to feature 40% renewable energy in their retail energy supply by 2027, escalating to 60% by 2030,” Rep. Greene wrote. “Whether climate change is embraced or not, our future beckons for a blend of cost-efficient, dependable energy sources. Presently, a mere 12% of Michigan’s energy derives from renewables.” 

She also called upon recognizing the “merits of nuclear power and the overlooked potential of biomass.” 

“Nuclear energy stands as an established, reliable source of substantial power, bolstering grid resilience and minimizing emissions,” Rep. Greene wrote. “Beyond traditional nuclear plants, advances in micro-nuclear technology offer safer, adaptable reactors for localized energy generation.  Biomass fuels, hailing from agricultural leftovers, wood waste, and even landfill refuse, furnish Michigan with a valuable resource. By tapping into biomass, we decrease reliance on fossil fuels, bolster local economies, and open doors to employment, particularly in rural settings.”

The package of energy bills was referred to the Committee on Energy, Communications, and Technology for consideration.