MARQUETTE — At a public meeting at Northern Michigan University on Tuesday, several Upper Peninsula residents shared their opinions on Michigan’s green energy laws. Passed in 2023, these fairly new laws include the Clean Energy Standard and Renewable Energy Standards and Plans. The ultimate goal of the new legislation is to transition 50% of Michigan’s energy to completely renewable sources by 2030, and increase the amount to 60% by 2035. A final increase will have Michigan using 100% renewable energy by 2040. 

Before the laws are fully implemented, the Michigan Public Service Commission was looking for feedback about the Upper Peninsula’s energy habits. 

“The Commission recognizes the U.P. energy mix is different in many ways than the rest of the state, which is why it’s so important for us to hear directly from Yoopers on their concerns and ideas,” MPSC Chair Dan Scripps said in a press release. According to Scripps, differences between the U.P. and the rest of Michigan could affect how the new laws are implemented, or even lead to changes in the laws. 

“There’s real concerns about reliability and affordability, and those aren’t unique, but the way you might solve them given the U.P.’s uniqueness might be a little different than it looks south of the bridge,” Scripps said. “We know just 10 years ago, there were coal plants,” he added. “The last coal plants retired, replaced by natural gas units. Those gas units have a long life.” 

We the People Michigan Community Organizer Ruby Miller wants lawmakers to understand the reality of living, and using energy, in the Upper Peninsula. One of her main concerns is in regards to UPPCO being a privately-owned company. According to Miller, the U.P. pays higher rates for energy than the rest of Michigan, and a large amount of UPPCO’s money goes into the pockets of its shareholders. 

“Hold these companies accountable for providing service that works for us, at rates that make sense, with reliability that makes sense,” Miller said. She also hopes that the future study about the U.P.’s energy habits is, “transparent so that kind of coordination is possible. To make the sort of U.P. energy system what it needs to be.” 

A final study on the matter will need to be submitted to Gov.Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan state lawmakers by Dec. 1, 2024. 

Many feel  conflicted about the state’s move to renewable energy. While it is generally considered cheaper and better for the environment because of its lower carbon emissions, it comes with many concerns. Renewable energy is not 100% reliable. One cloudy day could cause a blackout in a city that relies on solar panels, if they don’t have enough energy stored up. Wildlife advocates have also mentioned the immense bird and small creature deaths that are caused by the blades of wind turbines. These can also cause noise 24/7, which can be extremely bothersome for those living near them.