By Tim Minotas, Sierra Club Legislative and Political Deputy Director
As we bid farewell to 2023, a year marked by transformative clean energy and climate policy in Michigan, we find ourselves on the brink of an even stronger 2024. The momentum gained in the previous year has set the stage for even more impactful changes, making this an exciting time for those passionate about further environmental and societal progress. Let's take a moment to reflect on the key policy developments that shaped 2023. From the passage of historic clean energy legislation to protecting our kids from lead-tainted drinking water to the repeal of stricter than federal laws to passing legislation to protect and expand our right to vote, 2023 was a year of state government being responsive to the needs of Michigan residents.
Moving forward into 2024, the progress achieved in 2023 serves as a powerful example for positive transformation.
From climate action to social justice, the policies initiated last year serve as a springboard for even more ambitious and impactful measures that will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable Michigan. Here are some key legislative developments we are looking forward to in 2024.
- Utility accountability. Despite frequent outages, rate increases and record profits, utility companies have yet to be held accountable for improving their service.
- Polluters pay legislation that will hold polluters in Michigan accountable for cleanup costs while promoting environmental justice principles and improving standards for environmental cleanup.
- Strong community solar policies will help make our grid more reliable, decrease energy bills, and give Michigan residents the tools to power their homes and businesses.
- Cumulative impacts legislation to ensure critical protections for communities overburdened by air and water pollution
- Passage of the Water affordability bill package and septics legislation
- Critical common sense legislation to ensure we can curb the volume of toxic plastics entering our ecosystem
- A climate budget that will maximize state surplus and federal climate dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Utility companies and other industries still have too much power in Lansing, spending millions to maintain the status quo and keep Michigan dependent on fossil fuels and dirty energy sources. We need your support to help us keep up the fight. So, let's stay engaged and hopeful, ready to witness and contribute to the unfolding narrative of progress in the year ahead.