LANSING — The Michigan Senate voted Thursday to require that all of the state’s energy come from sources that do not emit climate warming gases by 2040.
On Thursday, Oct. 26, the Democratic-controlled Senate narrowly approved a bill package that would mandate a stepped increase in Michigan’s renewable power standard over the next seventeen years to meet the new “clean” energy target.
Senate Bills 271, 273, 502 and 519 passed along party lines, 20-18.
The bills went to the House, which has been working on related legislation as part of a larger agenda by Democrats, who control both chambers, to overhaul Michigan’s energy systems and accelerate the state’s transition off climate-warming fossil fuels.
The House is under a tight deadline to act before session adjourns early for the year sometime in the next two weeks rather than in December; a procedural move by Democrats that allows Michigan to hold its presidential primary on Feb. 27.
Democrats could pick the legislation back up in January, but there is concern their House 56-54 majority may winnow because two representatives are running for mayor seats next month.
The bills are opposed by Republicans and major business groups but supported by advanced energy companies. Environmental groups support them but want changes in the House.
The House has been busy with related legislation that would allow large renewable energy projects to sidestep local pushback by getting zoning clearances from state regulators.
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