Here is a quick guide to Michigan climate and clean energy bills and policies we’re watching, created in partnership with the Michigan Environmental Council. Bills can change fast, sometimes faster than we can update the website, so check the links on the bills for the latest information.
Clean and Renewable Energy Waste Reduction Act (HB 5420) - The bill would raise the state's clean energy standard to 25 percent by 2025, 50 percent by 2032, 75 percent by 2040, and 100 percent by 2050. The timeline laid out in this bill will not preclude or prevent utilities, municipalities, and the state from moving on a faster timeline as laid out in the bill. But this legislation is critical to make sure we continue moving forward on clean energy and climate change solutions in Michigan.
Rooftop Solar Taxes (SB 0047 and HB 4069) - Address the problem where some people who install rooftop solar see a big hike in their property taxes by providing an exemption for small-scale systems. These bills passed in 2018 but were vetoed by former Gov. Snyder. The Senate bill was introduced by Sen. Barrett (R-Charlotte) and the House bill was introduced by Rep. Kahle (R-Adrian), this bill has bipartisan support. Update: Passed both houses and Gov. signed into law on Nov. 14, 2019!
Powering Michigan Forward - A package of bills that would restore net metering, which was changed in 2016, so that homes and businesses with solar would be credited for generating electricity based on monthly net averages, and would create a new value-based system of pricing solar. It would also lift the 1% cap on the number of electricity utilities can accept from self-generating customers.
SB 596 and HB 5143: Fair value pricing
SB 598 and HB 5145: Establishes distributed generation tariffs
Bipartisan lead sponsors of this package of bills are Sen. Barrett (R-Charlotte), Sen. McBroom (R-Vulcan), Sen. Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), Rep. Markkanen (R-Hancock), Rep. Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor).
Read some news coverage about the bills here.
Community Solar (HB 4995) - Would make it so that all utilities offer a community solar option for their customers as part of the utility’s voluntary green pricing program. Introduced by Rep. Hoitenga (R-Manton) this bill has bipartisan support.
Microgrids (HB 4477) - Would allow electric utilities and private entities to establish microgrids within Michigan for critical facilities, like hospitals and emergency centers that need to continue to operate even when the grid is down. This would allow critical facilities to be more self-reliant during outages and continue to provide the public safety and emergency response needed. Introduced by Rep. Johnson (R-Wayland) this bill has bipartisan support.
Electric Vehicle Charging Package - Bipartisan package of bills would remove barriers to EV charging infrastructure and increase access to EVs. Introduced by Senator McMorrow (R-Royal Oak), Sen. LaSata (R-Bainbridge), Sen. Geiss (D-Taylor), Sen. MacDonald (R-Macomb), Rep. Sneller (D-Grand Blanc), Rep. Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor), Rep. Alexander (R-Jackson), and Rep. Bellino (R-Monroe).
SB 406 and HB 4786: Would create EV Council within MDOT to create a comprehensive charging infrastructure plan to expand EV charging network.
SB 408 and HB 4787: Would allow the state to install EV charging stations at state park and rides.
SB 407 and HB 4788: Would allow the state to install EV charging stations in state parks.
SB 409 and HB 4789: Would create tax incentives for small businesses and multi-unit housing to install EV charging stations.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (HB 4806 and HB 4807) - NOTE: MiCAN partner groups oppose these bills as currently written. It would create a licensing procedure for electric vehicle (EV) charging station operators, allow them to sell electricity at a profit, and establish that charging stations must clearly display the charging costs to the customer. HB 4807 introduced by Rep. Schroeder (R-Clarkston) and HB 4807 introduced by Rep. Kuppa (D-Troy) both have bipartisan support.
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