2007 House Bill 5549

Impose “renewable energy” mandates on utilities

Introduced in the House

Dec. 6, 2007

Introduced by Rep. David Palsrok (R-101)

To mandate that electric utilities acquire a certain amount of their power from “renewable” sources, with the specifics to be determined by the Public Service Commission according to a formula contained in the bill. The commission would have discretion to grant exemptions. "Renewable energy" is defined as that generated by biomass, geothermal, solar, wind, hydroelectric, industrial cogeneration, and gas captured from the decomposition of waste. Nuclear power is not included in the definition, but is not explicitly excluded as in other similar bills.

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology

Jan. 24, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

April 17, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that makes substantive revisions based on months of lobbying and negotiations. This version was subsequently superseded by another substitute with more changes.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. David Palsrok (R-101)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that makes substantive revisions based on months of lobbying and negotiations. See House-passed version for details.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Kevin Green (R-77)

To clarify a technical provision in the bill so the language of the amended law is internally consistent.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-90)

To suspend the renewable energy mandates if an annual report the Public Service Commission would be required to prepare shows that this regime does not result in specified levels of "cumulative net job creation" in the state, meaning more "renewable energy" jobs are created than jobs are lost in other sectors of the economy because of the higher electricity prices the proposed law would generate.

Consideration postponed

Withdrawn

Passed in the House 82 to 21 (details)

To mandate that Michigan electric utilities acquire 4 percent of their power from "renewable" sources by the end of 2012, and 10 percent by the end of 2015. The mandate would be reduced to the extent it increased residential rates by more than $3 per month, and on commercial customers from $15.83 to $187.50 per month. Utilities could meet the mandate by producing or purchasing renewable energy, or purchasing "credits" from a firm that exceeded the mandate. The provisions creating this regime are divided between this and House Bill 5548.

Motion to reconsider by Rep. Steve Tobocman (D-12)

The vote by which the House passed the bill.

The motion passed by voice vote

Received

To mandate that Michigan electric utilities acquire 4 percent of their power from "renewable" sources by the end of 2012, and 10 percent by the end of 2015. The mandate would be reduced to the extent it increased residential rates by more than $3 per month, and on commercial customers from $15.83 to $187.50 per month. Utilities could meet the mandate by producing or purchasing renewable energy, or purchasing "credits" from a firm that exceeded the mandate. The provisions creating this regime are divided between this and House Bill 5548.

Passed in the House 84 to 21 (details)

Received in the Senate

April 22, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Energy Policy and Public Utilities

June 17, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.