During MPSC hearing, groups renewed support for state’s clean energy standards
Marquette, Mich. — A diverse coalition of organizations is repeating its support for Michigan’s clean energy laws following a Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) hearing on the Upper Peninsula’s (U.P.) implementation of the clean energy standards on Tuesday, July 30.
Last year, Michigan lawmakers passed legislation to transition to 100% clean energy by 2040 from sources such as wind and solar power — giving Michigan the most robust energy efficiency standards in the country, while helping to address energy affordability, health and safety for many low-income households.
“Michiganders pay the highest rates for electricity for the worst electric utility services in the Midwest,” said Ashley Rudzinski, climate and environment program director for Groundwork Center. “On top of that, many Yoopers pay the highest electric rates in Michigan. It’s time to hold utility companies accountable for rising costs, bad service and pollution in our air and water. The Upper Peninsula can transition to 100% renewable, clean energy by 2040 and help reduce carbon pollution that is disrupting our climate.”
The coalition has pledged to beat back any efforts to undermine the law while asking the MPSC to help move Michigan to cleaner, renewable energy.
“We must protect the Great Lakes we rely on for our economy, drinking water and way of life by implementing the 100% clean energy standard,” said Charles Griffith, Ecology Center climate & energy program director. “New technologies and renewable energy innovations are being developed every day and costs continue to come down, and it would be premature to say the U.P. will not be able to implement the clean energy standard by goals more than a decade away.”
Measuring the cost of different forms of energy, an analysis found that clean, renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, are cheaper than coal and natural gas, even without subsidies.
“Michigan lawmakers passed groundbreaking legislation that will help lower the cost of our utility bills and ensure we have cleaner air to breathe and water to drink by transitioning to clean, renewable energy,” said Carlee Knott, energy and climate policy coordinator for the Michigan Environmental Council. “Our fellow Michiganders in the Upper Peninsula deserve the same opportunities to create new good-paying jobs and reduce pollution by generating clean energy.”
“It’s time for the big utilities — everywhere in our great state — to move toward 100% clean energy by 2040,” said Derrell Slaughter, Michigan policy director, climate and energy, at NRDC. “We owe it to our kids and grandkids in the U.P. to protect them and their futures. Renewable energy will provide cleaner air to breathe and water to drink, improve public health, and save lives.”
“Reliable clean energy is essential to protecting human health”, said Elizabeth Del Buono, MD, president of Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action. “Michigan residents are experiencing the health impacts of fossil fuel pollution today, and it will only worsen as our climate changes. The good news is that transitioning to clean energy saves lives and health care dollars. People living in the Upper Peninsula deserve the opportunity to benefit from Michigan's 100% clean energy standard by 2040 without compromises.”
“U.P. residents have much to gain from the lower electric bills and enhanced reliability that more clean energy and energy efficiency can bring,” said Amy Bandyk, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan. “We shouldn’t delay on rate relief for the U.P.”
“The Clean Energy Standard presents a transformative opportunity to secure a future where clean, reliable, and affordable energy is a reality for all U.P. residents,” said Tim Minotas, deputy legislative and political director at the Michigan Sierra Club. “Transitioning to a future powered by clean energy will enable the U.P. to capitalize on the financial support available through the Inflation Reduction Act, ultimately delivering the air and water and cost-saving benefits that clean energy provides.”
The following groups also expressed support for clean energy implementation in the U.P.:
- Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA)
- Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
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