Michigan legislation leads the clean energy charge

DETROT, Mich. - The state of Michigan is now a national leader against climate change. 

Tuesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a clean energy legislation, furthering the Michigan Health Climate Plan, requiring utility providers to transition to 100% carbon-free energy generation by 2040.

The legislation targets key areas, bettering the lives of Michigan residents by lowering household utility costs by an average $145 per year, creating 160,000 good-paying jobs and bring nearly $8 billion in federal tax dollars for clean energy projects, protecting air, water and public health.

"I am proud that these bills make Michigan the best state in the Midwest for climate action and the strongest state in the nation when it comes to labor standards for clean energy production," Gov. Whitmer said in her speech. "Together, we are fighting for our air, land, and water, improving public health and protecting our precious natural resources for future generations. We are building the future in Michigan.”

This historical step forward of not only protecting the environment and climate also provides an economic benefit as well. 

The state also set a goal for utilities to generate half of their energy from renewable sources by 2030.