Energy

This bill, known as the Energy Pricing Protection Act, prohibits businesses from charging excessively high prices for gasoline, propane, and home heating oil during market disruptions. It defines a market disruption as events like natural disasters, strikes, or emergencies and sets a 20% price increase threshold as the limit for what is considered unjustified, unless sellers can prove higher costs or prior discounts caused the rise. The law applies to anyone selling these essential energy products but excludes utilities regulated by state or federal commissions. Enforcement is handled by state and local prosecutors, who can issue written demands for documents and testimony and file court actions against violators, with investigative details kept confidential until a formal charge is made.

SB 576 creates an energy efficiency revolving fund within Michigan's state treasury to finance state and local energy efficiency projects. The fund accepts state and federal money (including elective payments under federal law), keeps all money intact year-to-year, and prioritizes projects that reduce carbon emissions. State agencies applying for projects must follow strict rules, including capping administrative costs at 10% of project costs and reporting annual savings. The Department of Energy oversees the fund, coordinates project applications, and requires annual reports detailing funding, agencies, and projected savings. This fund directly supports state and local entities implementing energy-saving upgrades.

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.

SB 235 creates a corporate income tax credit for businesses that use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It directly affects airlines and fuel producers in Michigan by reducing their state tax liability based on the volume of SAF they utilize. The bill amends Michigan's tax code (MCL 206.1-206.847) to add a specific provision allowing corporations to claim this credit. This provides a financial incentive for adopting SAF, aiming to support cleaner aviation fuel adoption without specifying environmental outcomes.

SB 236 creates a tax credit program in Michigan to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It directly affects fuel producers who meet specific environmental standards, requiring SAF to achieve at least a 50% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum fuel and comply with ASTM aviation fuel standards. Producers must apply to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for certification of their tax credit, providing evidence of domestic production, emissions reduction, and proof that the fuel was used in aircraft departing Michigan airports. The program administers tax credits through a state-certified process, aiming to boost local SAF production while meeting federal environmental benchmarks.