LANSING, Mich – The Michigan Senate Energy and Environment Committee heard testimony this week on Senate Bills 271 to 277. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy submitted testimony on these bills.

According to the Center Square, On Thursday, the Senate Energy and Environment Committee heard testimony related to Senate bills 271-277. Among other things, the package would require the expansion of renewable energy production to 15% of total energy generated; prohibit all coal-fired energy production after 2030; implement a Construction Decarbonization Strategic Plan aimed at achieving zero building greenhouse gas emissions after 2026; and reduce the carbon dioxide intensity of all transportation fuels by 25% below 2019 values by 2035.

Jason Hayes from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy released the following statement:

Senate Bills 271 to 277 are blackout bills. They will impose staggering cost increases for Michigan’s electricity services while drastically reducing reliability. Early results of modeling indicate that SB 271-277 would add more than $120 billion in additional costs by 2035 and more than $385 billion by 2050.

If lawmakers wish to achieve Gov. Whitmer’s CO2 reduction goals, there are far more moderate plans that could be adopted without imposing electricity shortfalls and blackouts. Our modeling shows that a more reasonably paced plan, which adds carbon capture to existing coal and natural gas plants will still achieve these goals, while saving more than $90 billion through 2035 and almost $180 billion through 2050. The bills reviewed in the Senate Energy Committee today are a dangerous and economy crushing rush into green energy caused shortages. Michigan legislators should reject them immediately.