House Energy Committee advances bills affecting Upper Peninsula generators after extended testimony and amendments

The House Energy Committee considered testimony and votes on two bills, House Bill 4283 and House Bill 4007, which would change how certain Upper Peninsula generation assets are treated under Michigan’s clean and renewable energy standards. Witnesses from environmental and conservation groups opposed the measures, and the committee approved an amendment to HB 4283 before reporting it out; HB 4007 was referred to the Rules Committee after an amendment failed.

Public testimony: Three witnesses spoke against the bills. Nicole Kiway Biber of Clean Water Action said the proposals would “replace one polluting source with another” and called for “reducing our reliance on combustible energy” and increased emphasis on nature‑based solutions. Nick Acapenti of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters argued the bills “look into a projected future that none of us can predict” and said existing processes at the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) — the integrated resource planning and renewable planning processes — are the appropriate forums for long‑term planning. Jane Fitkin of…