Michigan House Bill HB5855

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/26/24
• Refer: 6/26/24

Caption

Energy: alternative sources; zoning exemptions for large-scale solar, wind, and energy storage facilities; eliminate. Amends title & sec. 13 of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1013) & repeals pt. 8 of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 450.1221 - 460.1232.

Impact

One significant aspect of HB 5855 is its establishment of regulations concerning the construction and operation of wind energy resources and the implementation of energy waste reduction programs. This bill mandates that various providers, including those of electric and natural gas services, adopt energy systems aimed at reducing waste and improving energy efficiency. The introduction of wind energy resource zones aims to facilitate the growth of wind energy generation, which has been a point of growth in Michigan’s renewable energy landscape.

Summary

House Bill 5855 aims to amend the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act of 2008 in Michigan. The bill requires electric service providers to establish and recover costs associated with renewable and clean energy programs. It maintains that any savings from these programs should ultimately benefit customers and be reflected in the energy cost rates they pay. Additionally, the bill seeks to authorize utility providers to create specific energy systems to comply with these requirements, which is designed to enhance the adoption and integration of renewable energy sources in the state, ultimately promoting environmental sustainability.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HB 5855 may face challenges regarding zoning exemptions for large-scale solar and wind facilities. There are concerns from local governments that the removal of certain zoning regulations could undermine local control and regulatory oversight. Opponents fear that allowing state-level mandates for site selection and infrastructure planning might lead to imprudent developments that do not adequately consider local ecological and community impacts. The interaction of this bill with other proposed legislation, specifically the tie-bar with House Bill 5856, indicates that collaborative legislative discussions and negotiations will be critical for its successful passage.