This bill requires electric utilities in Michigan to hire independent third parties to conduct engineering audits of their distribution systems every five years, with the goal of improving grid reliability and safety. The audits must include a physical inspection of infrastructure and a review of operational processes such as storm restoration and maintenance planning, with all costs paid by the utilities. Additionally, the bill mandates that electric utilities establish programs to help workers transition to new roles during ownership changes, ensuring employees receive comparable wages and benefits for at least 30 months. The Public Service Commission will compile reports on these audits to inform decisions on rates and grid planning.
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.
This bill designates June 17, 2026, as Solar Energy Awareness Day throughout Michigan to highlight the state's progress in renewable energy. It serves as a commemorative resolution acknowledging Michigan's leadership in solar installations and honoring the workers and businesses driving this growth. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead formally recognizes the state's achievements in the clean energy sector.
This bill extends Michigan's state of energy emergency from July 1, 2026, to September 16, 2026, to align with a potential federal waiver allowing more flexible gasoline production. The measure directly affects consumers and businesses by aiming to prevent fuel shortages and price spikes that could occur if stricter fuel regulations were reinstated. By keeping the emergency in effect, the state can continue to relax its own fuel requirements while the federal government addresses supply constraints. The resolution takes effect immediately upon July 1, ensuring there is no gap in the emergency declaration.
This bill, known as the Energy Pricing Protection Act, prohibits businesses in Michigan from charging excessively high prices for gasoline, propane, and home heating oil during market disruptions such as severe weather or supply shortages. It defines an excessive price increase as one exceeding 20% unless the seller can prove the hike is due to higher costs or a prior discount, and it applies to these goods for 30 days after the disruption ends. To enforce these rules, the state attorney general can investigate violations, seize assets to prevent their removal, and file class-action lawsuits to recover damages for affected consumers. The legislation also outlines specific procedures for legal demands and limits the time frame for filing such actions to four years.
This bill extends the state of energy emergency in Michigan by an additional 77 days, effective July 1, 2026. The measure allows the sale of E15 fuel in several counties where current regulations previously restricted it to lower vapor pressure gasoline. By suspending these fuel requirements, the extension aims to increase fuel supply options and help manage rising gas prices for consumers and businesses. The resolution requires approval from both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor.
This bill establishes a new community solar program in Michigan, allowing residents to subscribe to local solar projects and receive credits on their electricity bills. It defines specific terms for these facilities and subscribers, while also categorizing certain areas as "environmental justice communities" based on factors like low-income populations and existing pollution. The legislation requires the state energy commission to create rules that facilitate the creation and financing of these solar projects, prioritizing those that benefit environmental justice communities. Additionally, the bill mandates simple, one-page disclosure forms for all subscription contracts to ensure customers clearly understand the terms before signing.
This bill modifies Michigan's use tax laws to provide tax exemptions for data center equipment used by qualified facilities. It requires these facilities to obtain a certificate from the Michigan Strategic Fund, which mandates that they create a specific number of jobs and meet green building standards within a six-year timeframe. To maintain the exemption, operators must annually report on employment, investments, and compliance with environmental criteria to the state. The legislation applies to existing data centers through 2050 and to new enterprise data centers through 2065, provided they meet the established performance requirements.
This bill proposes adding a new section to the Michigan state constitution to guarantee every person an inherent right to a clean environment, including clean water, air, and soil. It establishes that the state and all its agencies must act as trustees for natural resources, which are declared the common property of all people, including future generations. The amendment would require the government to protect these rights equitably for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or location, and it allows citizens to directly enforce these rights in court. If approved by voters, this change would legally bind the state to conserve and maintain natural resources while preventing any actions that infringe upon environmental rights.
This bill amends Michigan's Use Tax Act to provide ongoing tax exemptions for data center equipment used by qualified data centers and enterprise data centers. To maintain these exemptions, the state requires facilities to meet specific job creation thresholds and submit annual reports to the Michigan Strategic Fund regarding employment, investments, and compliance with green building standards. The legislation also establishes a formal certification process where the Michigan Strategic Fund reviews applications and issues certificates to facilities that meet the criteria for enterprise data centers.
