Michigan Sets Bold Goal for Achieving Carbon-Free Electricity by 2040

LANSING, Mich.– Michigan is making major moves towards clean energy and aiming to be carbon-free by 2040. This is a crucial step in testing the Democrats’ environmental goals in a state with a strong manufacturing tradition.

Michigan is joining four other states in requiring energy companies to transition to 100% carbon-free energy generation by 2040 under the legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The state has also set a goal for utilities to generate 50% of their energy from renewable sources by 2030, a significant increase from the current 12%.

These state-level requirements align with the Biden administration’s objectives of a carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050 at the latest.

The clean energy package, approved by Democrats in the Michigan Legislature, has been applauded by environmental groups. Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, expressed hope that Michigan’s plan will serve as a model for other states.

“Michigan is at the heart of the industrial Midwest. What happens here sets the tone for what could happen all across this country,” Wozniak said.

Michigan ranked 11th in electricity consumption nationwide in 2021, with a majority of it coming from coal, gas, and motor fuel. Of the 12% produced through renewable sources in 2015, most came from winds that sweep across the Great Lakes.

A resource that naturally renews over time and is derived from solar, water, or wind power is considered sustainable. Under the plan, clean energy includes renewable sources as well as nuclear energy and gas, with the condition that gas can only be used if utilities capture and store the carbon emissions.

Achieving the 50% renewable energy goal by 2030, and 60% five years later, will require a massive buildout of utility-scale renewable energy resources in Michigan.

Currently, just over 17,000 acres (6,880 hectares) of land in the state are used for wind and solar generation. Dan Scripps, chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission, stated that an additional 209,000 acres (84,579 hectares) of land will be needed for projects to meet the 60% renewable energy goal.

To accomplish this, Michigan legislators will grant the state’s Public Service Commission the authority to override local governments for the approval of these large projects.

This provision has quickly become the most controversial aspect of the plan. A local government coalition, including the Michigan Association of Counties, has strongly opposed it, arguing that it suppresses the input of local officials and residents in communities where these facilities are set to operate for the next several years.

The public response to the Democrats’ ambitious energy plan could have far-reaching implications for the party in 2024. Michigan was a critical part of the Democrats’ “blue wall” and played a key role in helping Joe Biden win the White House in 2020.

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