Senate Bill 323 proposes to amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. It removes the provision that requires local zoning ordinances to be subject to Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act. This change would mean local governments' zoning authority would no longer be tied to the requirements of that specific energy act. The bill is tied to Senate Bill 322, meaning it will only take effect if SB 322 also becomes law.
HB 4007 amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act (2008 PA 295) by expanding the definition of "clean energy system" to include natural gas plants using carbon capture and storage (at least 90% effective) and certain existing natural gas facilities that can meet clean energy standards by 2030 through carbon capture and removal technologies. This change directly affects electric providers required to meet the state's clean energy standard, as it broadens the types of energy sources that qualify toward their compliance targets. The bill specifies that carbon capture must permanently store carbon dioxide (excluding enhanced oil recovery), and permits for new facilities may require higher capture rates if deemed necessary under federal standards. This definition update provides additional pathways for natural gas projects to count toward Michigan's clean energy goals.
SB 395 updates the definition of "carbon dioxide substance" in Michigan's oil and gas law to explicitly include CO₂ used in enhanced oil recovery operations or storage. This affects companies handling CO₂ for oil extraction and the Michigan Public Service Commission, which regulates these activities. The bill clarifies that carbon sequestration wells operating under existing environmental laws (Part 651 of the Natural Resources Act) are excluded from new regulatory requirements. It does not change existing pipeline rights or create new obligations, solely refining definitions for clarity.
This bill establishes a 10% cap on the portion of an electric utility's retail sales that can be served by alternative electric suppliers, meaning no more than 10% of a utility's customers may switch to alternative providers at any time. The cap can be adjusted downward if less than 10% of sales are already with alternatives, but must return to 10% after five years without adjustment. Exceptions allow specific customers - like those with facilities continuously served by alternatives since 2008 or Upper Peninsula iron ore facilities under settlement agreements - to exceed the cap for their operations. The bill also maintains a queue for customers waiting to switch to alternatives as of December 2015, requiring utilities to manage these requests annually. These changes directly affect Michigan electric utilities, their retail customers, and alternative energy providers seeking to serve them.
HB 4486 prohibits Michigan municipalities from banning natural gas use or the installation of natural gas infrastructure, directly affecting cities, towns, counties, and townships. The bill makes any local ordinance, resolution, or policy that restricts natural gas use or infrastructure void and unenforceable starting from its effective date. It specifically targets bans on residential, commercial, or industrial natural gas applications and related infrastructure like pipelines. This legislation ensures that local governments cannot block natural gas services or new installations within their jurisdictions.
HB 4709 prohibits the construction of commercial wind turbines for electricity production in the Great Lakes or their connecting waters, and bans operating any such turbines built in violation of this rule. It directly affects commercial wind energy developers planning projects in these waters, preventing new installations. The bill also states that renewable energy credits cannot be issued for electricity generated by prohibited turbines, and allows the attorney general to seek court injunctions to stop violations. This amendment adds a specific environmental protection measure to Michigan's Clean Energy Act.
