Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) has earned further ire from Republicans by signing an ambitious new green energy bill.
The legislation calls for Michigan to obtain 100% of its energy from “clean” sources by 2040.
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“Together, we are protecting our air, our water, and our land by focusing on taking climate change head-on,” Whitmer said in an address aired on Lansing TV station WLNS. “Today is a huge win for Michigan families, for Michigan businesses, and for future generations of Michiganders.”
Republicans see things much differently. They argue that the law is draconian and hostile to businesses. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt lamented the signing of the bill as a “dark day” for Michigan.
“This is a dark day for hardworking Michigan families, farmers, and small business owners,” he said in a statement. “While the people of Michigan are still struggling with higher costs, Lansing Democrats are applauding the imposition of far-left, unworkable energy mandates that will further increase energy costs and make Michigan energy less reliable.”
“Michigan families need and deserve an ‘all of the above’ approach that focuses on ensuring energy is affordable and reliable, rather than imposing a progressive, partisan pipedream that has consistently failed. Instead, Democrats chose to go it alone and rushed a flawed, irresponsible overhaul that focuses on banning natural gas and forcing wind and solar farms on locals to appease environmental extremists,” he added.
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He concluded by comparing the measure unfavorably to California, saying it would cause blackouts and brownouts in the near future. He speculated that Whitmer only signed the bill to boost her presidential aspirations.
The bill signed into law by Whitmer wasn’t the most ambitious of state Democrats’ proposals, for an earlier draft set the goal for 100% clean energy by 2035, the Detroit Free Press reported. The bill also differentiates between renewables and clean, with clean energy including nuclear and natural gas generation that can capture 90% of carbon emissions. The end goal is for all energy to transfer to renewable sources, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric facilities.
