Environment

in committee · Michigan · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 993: Consumer protection: unfair trade practices; violation under Michigan consumer protection act for certain violations under the shopping reform and modernization act; provide for. Amends sec. 3 of 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.903). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0992'26

Senate Bill 993 amends the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to explicitly classify certain violations of the Shopping Reform and Modernization Act as unfair trade practices. The bill directly affects businesses and consumers by clarifying that specific deceptive acts, such as false environmental claims about recyclability or misleading representations of product origin, are unlawful. It updates existing definitions to include new categories of consumer fraud, ensuring these specific violations are treated with the same legal weight as other deceptive business practices.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens consumer protection against false environmental claims, thereby promoting accurate information and discouraging greenwashing.85% confidence

Tags Consumer Protection

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 5791: Use tax: other; requirements for enterprise data centers; modify. Amends sec. 4cc of 1937 PA 94 (MCL 205.94cc).

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax exemptions for data centers to promote economic development and job creation, aligning with fiscal goals.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates green building standards for data centers and requires annual reporting on environmental compliance, directly supporting energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates green building standards and requires annual reporting on environmental criteria for data centers.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill provides tax exemptions for data center equipment to promote economic development and green building standards, directly supporting technology infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 916: Energy: alternative sources; bidding requirements; update. Amends sec. 28 of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1028).

SB 916 updates Michigan's renewable energy requirements for electric providers by establishing a tiered portfolio standard that increases from 15% by 2029 to 60% by 2035. The bill allows providers to meet these targets through generating renewable energy, purchasing power, or acquiring renewable energy credits, with specific limits on the use of out-of-state credits. It also introduces financial incentives for providers entering into non-affiliate contracts for renewable energy or clean energy storage systems after June 30, 2024, and permits energy waste reduction credits to substitute for up to 10% of renewable energy requirements under certain conditions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill increases renewable energy portfolio standards and introduces incentives for clean energy contracts.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill increases renewable energy requirements and promotes clean energy, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Resilience Renewable Energy

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 5869: Energy: alternative sources; HOPE zone exemption; provide for. Amends sec. 9 of 2023 PA 108 (MCL 211.1159). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5852'26, HB 5856'26

This bill modifies the Michigan Solar Energy Facilities Taxation Act to create a tax exemption for solar projects located in designated HOPE zones. Under the proposed changes, solar facilities in these areas would not be subject to the standard annual tax, which is normally $7,000 per megawatt of capacity. The exemption applies only to the specific tax portion of the fee and is tied to the duration of the HOPE zone designation. The bill also includes a tie-bar provision, meaning it will only become effective if two other related bills are passed by the legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax exemption for solar projects, reducing the tax burden and promoting renewable energy investment.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates tax exemptions for solar projects in HOPE zones, directly advancing renewable energy development and reducing barriers to clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates tax exemptions for solar energy facilities, promoting renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Solar

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 5881: Local government: other; Michigan zoning enabling act; make subject to the data center planning and responsibility act. Amends sec. 205 of 2006 PA 110 (MCL 125.3205). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5882'26

This bill amends Michigan's zoning enabling act to require local zoning ordinances to comply with the data center planning and responsibility act. It also clarifies rules for mining operations by setting conditions under which local governments can restrict extraction based on potential serious consequences, while allowing reasonable regulations on noise, traffic, and blasting hours. Additionally, the bill protects renewable energy projects that received special land use approval after January 1, 2021, from having their approvals revoked or modified once substantial construction or specific expenditures have occurred. The legislation will only take effect if it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5882.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly protects renewable energy projects with special land use approval and clarifies rules for mining operations.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental regulations by requiring zoning compliance with data center planning and protecting renewable energy projects.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens local zoning laws to accommodate data centers and protects renewable energy projects, facilitating technology infrastructure development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Tags Local Government

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 931: Public utilities: electric utilities; new electronic transmission infrastructure; require to use existing rights-of-way. Amends sec. 7 of 1995 PA 30 (MCL 460.567).

Senate Bill 931 requires large electric utilities in Michigan to submit detailed applications to the state commission before building new major transmission lines. The bill mandates that these applications include specific information, such as proposed routes, cost estimates, and an evaluation of how the project could use existing utility corridors or share space with current infrastructure. By emphasizing the consideration of opportunities to parallel with existing rights-of-way, the legislation aims to streamline the approval process for new power lines while encouraging the use of available land. This measure directly affects electric utilities with 50,000 or more residential customers in the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requires utilities to use existing rights-of-way, reducing land disturbance and habitat fragmentation during new transmission line construction.75% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 5777: Businesses: other; large-scale data center life cycle financial responsibility act; create. Creates new act.

This Michigan bill creates a new regulatory framework requiring large-scale data centers to register with the state and pay fees based on their energy consumption. It defines a large-scale data center as a facility with at least 5 megawatts of power or 25,000 square feet of space, while excluding schools, hospitals, and government buildings. Owners must post financial security to cover potential environmental or infrastructure costs and reimburse any research expenses related to public safety reviews. The legislation also establishes a specific fund to manage these revenues and grants the state department of environment, Great Lakes, and energy the authority to set rules and enforce compliance.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill imposes fees and financial burdens on data centers based on energy consumption, potentially increasing costs and restricting energy-intensive business expansion.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates financial responsibility for data centers based on energy consumption, promoting accountability for environmental impact and infrastructure costs.85% confidence

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passed · Michigan · House Apr 22, 2026

HR 292: A resolution to urge the Governor to take all appropriate actions to support and expedite the Brandon Road Interbasin Project in coordination with the Administration of President Donald J. Trump, including by directing relevant departments to facilitate efficient advancement of the project and recommending action to the House of Representatives.

This House resolution urges the Governor of Michigan to take actions that support and speed up the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, which aims to stop invasive Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. The bill asks state officials to work closely with the federal government to ensure timely reviews and approvals, and it requests that the House be informed of any additional steps needed to move the project forward. By expediting the construction of underwater barriers, the measure seeks to protect Michigan's economy and environment from potential ecological damage caused by the carp. The resolution does not create new laws but serves as a formal request to state and federal partners to coordinate efforts and avoid further delays.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill expedites underwater barriers to stop invasive Asian carp, protecting Great Lakes ecosystems.85% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 5890: Trade: consumer goods and services; use of PFAS in household products; prohibit. Creates new act.

This bill, known as the Hazardous Products Act, would ban the sale and manufacture of household items containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals starting in 2027. The legislation specifically targets a wide range of consumer goods, including clothing, carpets, cookware, cosmetics, baby products, and upholstery, while explicitly excluding military equipment and personal protective gear. To enforce these restrictions, the bill establishes penalties for violations, ranging from misdemeanor fines for first offenses to felony charges for repeat offenders, and grants individuals the right to sue for damages or seek court orders to stop non-compliant production.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill bans PFAS chemicals in household products, directly reducing pollution and protecting the environment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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in committee · Michigan · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 1003: Natural resources: land acquisition; preservation of land and water; provide for. Amends secs. 503, 2106 & 2165 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.503 et seq.) & adds sec. 502c.

SB 1003 directs the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to coordinate efforts to conserve 30% of the state's land and water by 2030, including private, tribal, and public holdings. To achieve this goal, the bill requires the department to create six regional conservation plans by December 2026 that address biodiversity, climate resilience, and environmental justice while soliciting input from tribes, local governments, and various organizations. These plans must be based on scientific data, include assessments of current funding and programs, and be updated every ten years unless disapproved by legislative committees. Additionally, the bill establishes new definitions for terms like "ecosystem services" and "habitat connectivity" and mandates the development of an online tool to assist with land use decisions as technology and funding become available.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates conservation of 30% of state land/water by 2030, requiring regional plans for biodiversity and climate resilience.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Environmental Justice

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