The Michigan House Energy Committee on Tuesday approved legislation that would classify natural gas plants in the Upper Peninsula as “clean energy” under the state’s 2040 clean energy law.
House Bills 4007 and 4283, sponsored by Reps. Karl Bohnak, R-Deerton, and Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, comes as the Upper Peninsula faces mounting pressure from policies aimed at phasing out fossil fuels. The bills are designed to keep the region’s natural gas plants online and in compliance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s clean energy mandates.
Under Michigan’s new energy law, utilities are required to reach 100% “clean energy” by 2040. However, many U.P. residents and lawmakers say the law does not account for the realities of energy production in rural areas, where renewables like wind and solar are harder to deploy and less dependable due to weather and geography.
“What may seem like a relatively minor legislative oversight for downstate politicians will lead to an energy apocalypse for the Upper Peninsula,” Bohnak said during testimony. “We have fewer options and higher stakes.”
The U.P. relies heavily on natural gas for both heating and electricity. In recent years, coal-fired plants have been retired and replaced by natural gas facilities. But without changes to the state’s definition of “clean energy,” those same natural gas plants could be shut down early, before they have been paid off, to meet state targets.
Lawmakers backing the bills say that it would leave residents facing skyrocketing energy costs or rolling blackouts.
“These are very clean natural gas plants that we’re talking about,” Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, said. “They were built with the intention of making the U.P.’s energy grid more modern and efficient. Now they are at risk because of arbitrary classifications.”
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Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette, also voiced support for the change, noting that affordability and access must be part of the conversation.
“This is a good step toward ensuring that the U.P. continues to have reliable and affordable electricity,” Hill said.
Whitmer’s clean energy plan also calls for shutting down the Line 5 pipeline, which currently delivers fuel to the region. Critics say that, combined with the pressure on natural gas, could put the U.P. in a dangerous position.
“This is a very practical solution to a real problem that we have in the U.P.,” Rep. Pauline Wendzel, R-Watervliet, said, the committee’s Republican vice chair.
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Environmental groups oppose the legislation, arguing that natural gas remains a fossil fuel composed primarily of methane. But lawmakers in both parties argue that there must be flexibility, especially for rural areas that cannot quickly transition to renewables.
The bills now head to the full House for consideration. If passed, they would allow utilities in the U.P. to continue operating their natural gas plants without penalty and count that energy toward the state’s 2040 clean energy target.