Clean Energy Future Plan largely meets the moment

On Wednesday morning, in the midst of a statewide climate conference, two prominent Michigan Senators introduced a plan that positions Michigan well in its climate change fight.

Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township) introduced the Clean Energy Future Plan, which moves Michigan’s electric and housing sectors away from fossil fuels.

Charlotte Jameson, chief policy officer for the Michigan Environmental Council, released the following statement in response.

“In April 2022, Gov. Whitmer released a visionary plan to prevent the worst of climate change. And now, near its one-year anniversary, Michigan has bills that will put key components of this vision into action. We must boldly act now to save lives, ecosystems, and ways of life from climate change. The Clean Energy Future Plan does that by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in the electrical grid, homes, and businesses—some of our biggest polluters. We applaud Senate Democrats for making climate action a priority in their legislative agenda.”

The Clean Energy Future Plan largely aligns with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan and the policy priorities put forth by the Michigan Environmental Council and its 90 members. It also aligns with recent polling that suggests most Michiganders want more renewable, reliable energy.

The only component of the plan the Environmental Council is opposed to is its clean fuels standard.

“This standard incentivizes corn ethanol production and use, which is detrimental to air and water quality and counterproductive to meeting our climate goals,” said Megan Tinsley, water policy director. “Legislators should instead focus on electrifying vehicles and investing in public transportation.”