Whitmer signs bill to make Michigan’s electricity carbon-free by 2040

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a bill on Tuesday that would transition the state to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040.

The swing state joins 11 others in setting a target for achieving 100 percent carbon-free power. Electricity is the second-largest source of climate-warming emissions in the U.S., behind only transportation. 

The bill would require the state to get half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, up from about 12 percent in 2022. 

Legislation signed by Whitmer on Tuesday also requires utilities to reduce their energy waste and fast track clean energy projects. 

In a written statement, Whitmer said that the legislation would lower household utility costs, create 160,000 jobs and bring nearly $8 billion in federal tax dollars for energy projects to the state. 

“Together, we are fighting for our air, land, and water, improving public health and protecting our precious natural resources for future generations. We are building the future in Michigan,” she said.  

President Biden has said that the U.S. should reach 100 percent carbon-free power by 2035. Several Democratic lawmakers attempted to pass legislation last year that would make this a reality, but the provision was ultimately dropped from the Democrats’ climate, tax and healthcare bill amid opposition from swing vote Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).