Michigan law calls for utilities to increase renewable energy production to 15% by 2021 (from the current 10%). H.B.6466 would raise this standard to 25%.
Michigan Rep. Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor, has introduced a new bill to reduce pollution and address climate change, requiring that all power from Michigan utilities come from renewable sources — such as wind and solar — by 2050. According to Rabhi, House Bill 6466 would expand on the state’s existing renewable portfolio standard, requiring energy providers to meet a series of new targets between 2019 and 2050.
Currently, only 10% of the state’s energy must come from renewable sources such as wind and solar. The state’s renewable requirement for utilities goes up to 15% in 2021. Rabhi’s bill would raise this standard to 25% by 2025, 50% by 2032, 75% by 2040, and 100% by 2050.
California recently signed into law a similar bill that requires 100% clean energy by 2045.
“Strengthening Michigan’s commitment to renewable energy is vital to the health of our citizens and our economy,” Rabhi said. “As renewable technology becomes increasingly affordable, we have the opportunity to invest in good jobs in our own state, save consumers money, and protect our air and water.”
Rabhi’s office notes the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently released a report warning that ecosystems and human health are in danger without swift action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“On the heels of a major new report finding that, if left unchecked, some of the worst impacts of climate change will hit us sooner than previously believed, it is now more important than ever that we take action to move fully towards renewable energy,” Charlotte Jameson, energy policy and legislative affairs director for the Michigan Environmental Council, said in a statement in support of Rabhi’s bill.
Filed Under: News, Policy, Projects
