Michigan lawmakers have historic opportunity to create jobs, cut pollution with clean energy legislation

Ceres celebrated the Michigan Senate passage of ambitious clean energy legislation today and called on the Michigan House to promptly take up and pass the legislation that is highlighted by a 100% clean electricity standard in 2040. 

“As a manufacturing powerhouse and a leading destination for clean energy investment, Michigan is ideally positioned to benefit from clean energy legislation that creates jobs, reduces costs, improves public health, and cuts pollution. But it will take ambitious state policy to fully capitalize on this opportunity,” said Alli Gold Roberts, senior director of state policy, Ceres. “Companies and investors support 100% clean electricity because they know it will secure the state’s economic and energy future. We urge the state legislature to finalize this crucial legislation as soon as possible.” 

Ceres has been working with companies and investors to support Michigan’s clean energy legislation throughout the ongoing legislative session. In September, 15 businesses signed a letter to lawmakers and Gov. Grethen Whitmer declaring their support for an accelerated transition to 100% clean electricity that prioritizes jobs, equity, and affordability, and that helps Michigan maximize recent federal climate and clean energy investments.  

“Passing legislation to achieve 100% clean energy while prioritizing affordability, equity, and job creation is an important step toward building a more just net zero economy that will enhance the vitality, competitiveness, and growth of our state,” the letter said. It was signed by Bell’s Brewery, Brewery Vivant, Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits, CleanCapital, Crystal Mountain Resort, IKEA US, New Belgium Brewing, Nexamp, REI, Sealed, Siemens, Trane Technologies, Uplight, Walker-Miller Energy Services, and Worthen Industries. 

The legislation that passed the Michigan Senate today would codify into law many aspects of Gov. Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which was released in 2022 and was also welcomed by Michigan businesses as an important tool to guide climate, public health, and economic development policy in the state. 

Companies increasingly support clean energy policies not only to reduce climate pollution that threatens their operations, but because they bring significant business and economic benefits. According to a recent analysis conducted by 5 Lakes Energy and the MI Energy Innovation Business Council, the legislation would create nearly 160,000 jobs, increase Michigan’s GDP 2.5% by 2050, and save households $145 in energy costs annually by 2040. 

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.