MARQUETTE, Mich., Nov. 3, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the House Clean Energy and Jobs Act and the Senate Clean Energy Future bill packages. The Clean Energy and Jobs Act is designed to streamline the approval process for building large-scale renewable energy projects. The two packages together serve to set clean energy goals and, importantly, put into place the necessary tools to make those goals an achievable reality. In response to the passage of the legislation, state Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) released the following statement:
“These bills represent an opportunity for Michigan and the U.P. to reduce energy costs, improve grid reliability and move toward a future of energy independence. Renewable energy standards will create new opportunities for critical mining operations and spur significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure, and our region can leverage those investments to create jobs and spur economic growth.
“We also have an opportunity to draw down a historic allocation of federal funds through the implementation of these policies, bringing further investment to the state. I am eager to see the U.P. capitalize on this once-in-a-generation event.”
Hill, a member of the House Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee, successfully presented two amendments to the Clean Energy and Jobs Act — the first would more clearly define community benefits, and the second would require developers pay into a local intervenor compensation fund used to cover costs for local units of government that want to be involved in the process. The amendments ensure that local units of government are the primary drivers of clean energy development.
“I look forward to working with fellow community leaders, businesses and workers to make sure we meet this moment and maximize our region’s incredible potential,” Hill said.
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