Michigan Senate Passes Clean Energy Siting Package

Package moves to House of Representatives for concurrence 

Today, the Michigan Senate voted to pass a package of legislation that will streamline the siting process for clean energy projects across the state. The package now joins the Clean Energy Future package as they await concurrence and final passage this week before being sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for signature. Together, the two packages are essential to cementing Michigan as a leader in clean energy and meet both state and national climate commitments. 

In response, Evergreen Action Midwest Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager Courtney Bourgoin released the following statement: 

“This session has been monumental for meaningful climate action in Michigan. And the passage of this siting package today is another step toward an equitable, prosperous clean energy future in the state. Right now, states are racing to attract clean energy investment, and Michigan needs to remain competitive with its Midwest neighbor states. This package will modernize and expedite Michigan’s renewable energy siting process and give the state an edge in attracting this funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. And importantly, these bills prioritize local input and benefits for communities. They require project developers to enter into community benefits agreements, facilitating real investments in Michigan communities.

“These bills strike a balance between economic development, environmental protection, and the needs of local communities—positioning Michigan as a clean energy leader. We applaud the bill sponsors who championed this legislation to revitalize and build on the state’s long history of industrial leadership, attract federal investment, and give communities tools to directly reap the benefits.”