Business and environmental groups praise Senators Irwin and McBroom for introduction of Community Solar legislation
Bipartisan bills would remove restrictions and expand access to cost-saving clean, renewable energy for Michigan ratepayers
LANSING, Mich. – The following are public statements from business and environmental groups supporting the Michigan Community Solar Alliance in response to today’s introduction of Senate Bills 152 and 153. This legislation will modernize state law to allow access to community solar in Michigan.
Michigan Community Solar Alliance:
"The Michigan Community Solar Alliance applauds Senators Irwin and McBroom for their introduction Senate Bills 152 and 153—bipartisan legislation that would allow subscription-based community solar projects in the state,” said Carlo Cavallaro, Midwest Regional Director for Coalition for Community Solar Access. “The introduction of this legislation – especially as Michigan still recovers from the recent massive power outage – is an important step forward in the effort to expand the accessibility and availability of clean, affordable, reliable, and renewable energy to all Michiganders. These bills also will allow Michigan to take advantage of billions of incentive dollars that are available for community solar programs through the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act.”
Michigan League of Conservation Voters:
"We pay the highest costs for electricity in the Midwest with some of the worst reliability in the country - and we saw that first hand with the recent widespread outages. Michiganders are demanding more options to lower their costs and generate their own clean, renewable energy," said Nick Dodge, communications director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. "Affordable, reliable solar energy that communities can buy in to will help Michiganders lower their costs while cleaning up our air and water for future generations. We urge our lawmakers to support this important legislation."
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association:
“Michigan has much to gain from expanding community solar. With community solar all residential ratepayers and businesses would have the option to purchase solar energy, including low- and moderate-income families, which will save money and contribute to a cleaner environment,” said John Freeman, Executive Director for the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. “After last week’s power outages, it’s clear we need more options on the table. Clean energy is now cheaper than coal and gas, which is why it’s important to enable projects like community solar through this type of legislation.”
Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council:
“Community solar will be a job creator across Michigan,” said Laura Sherman, president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “We need policymakers to unleash its potential by passing legislation allowing for more local, cost-effective community solar projects to get off the ground. This will create jobs, support local businesses and it will help to strengthen our electric grid.”
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter:
“We must do everything we can to reduce pollution in the air we breathe and in the Great Lakes we cherish,” said Tim Minotas, legislative and political coordinator for Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “Michigan’s current law is too restrictive when it comes to generating our power from clean sources. The community solar bill is a step in the right direction, and we wholeheartedly support its introduction.”
Great Lakes Business Network:
“Businesses across the state are looking for options to be more sustainable and to be good stewards of our communities,” said Bob Sutherland and Juliette King, co-chairs of the Great Lakes Business Network. “The introduction of community solar legislation is a critical piece of this puzzle. It will open up new solar opportunities for businesses small and large in Michigan, creating jobs and furthering their sustainability goals.”
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