Michigan House Republicans Push for Natural Gas Generators to Be Counted as Clean Energy
Michigan House Republicans are advocating for a policy change that would classify approximately twelve natural gas generators in the Upper Peninsula as clean energy sources. Failure to implement this change would result in the generators, known as RICE generators, being required to shut down or offset their greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 to comply with the state’s clean energy transition mandate.
State Representative Karl Bohnak, the sponsor of the legislation, argues that renewable energy sources would not be able to sufficiently replace the energy output of the natural gas generators. Bohnak emphasized the challenges of land use and infrastructure costs associated with scaling up solar and wind energy production as an alternative.
Despite emitting fewer greenhouse gases compared to coal plants, the RICE generators are still fossil fuel-dependent and contribute to climate change. Representative David Prestin expressed concerns about the financial burden on ratepayers to support the gas generators until 2049, highlighting the need for a reliable power source in the Upper Peninsula.
Efforts to secure an exemption for the RICE generators during the 2023 revision of Michigan’s energy laws were unsuccessful. While the law allows exceptions for some fossil fuel plants employing carbon-capture technology, the inclusion of the gas generators remains contentious.
However, opposition from House Democrats suggests limited support for the RICE generator exemption, citing the positive impacts of the Clean Energy and Jobs Act enacted in 2023. The Act aims to promote a more sustainable future for Michigan by fostering job growth and economic development through renewable energy infrastructure investments.
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