LANSING, MI – Diverse stakeholders today announced the filing of a brief from industry organizations and multiple amicus curiae brief petitions in support of the Michigan Public Service Commission’s actions to implement Public Act 233 (PA 233), which was passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Whitmer as The Clean Energy and Jobs Act. The law, and the Commission’s actions, establish a careful balance to allow farmers to use their land for wind, solar, and storage projects while ensuring a thorough review of the projects.

The briefs – filed by a broad set of business groups, renewable energy advocates, labor organizations, legislators, and local landowners  – advocate for the full implementation of the permitting process under PA 233, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing Michigan’s clean energy future, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. 

Petitioners argue that PA 233 was designed to streamline the siting and permitting process for renewable energy projects such as wind, solar, and battery storage systems – balancing local control, landowner rights, and thorough oversight. By creating a clear, predictable framework, the law aims to attract significant investment, foster job creation, and position Michigan as a national leader in the clean energy sector.

Key Highlights of the Briefs:

• Support for Efficient and Transparent Renewable Energy Siting: PA 233 provides a clear, fair, and efficient process for the siting and permitting of renewable energy projects, promoting transparency and reducing delays that can hinder investment and development within Michigan’s renewable energy sector.
• Economic Growth and Job Creation: The petitioners stress the importance of PA 233 in driving economic growth across Michigan, creating thousands of jobs, supporting local communities, and advancing infrastructure tied to renewable energy projects.
• Environmental Benefits: The briefs highlight the positive environmental impact of PA 233, particularly in accelerating Michigan’s transition to a clean energy grid, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable energy practices.  
• Legal Certainty and Stability: The petitioners underline the importance of PA 233 in providing legal certainty and stability for developers, investors, and communities by having a path to obtaining a permit through the Michigan Public Service Commission. This is critical to ensuring Michigan remains competitive in the growing renewable energy market.

"These briefs demonstrate the broad, widespread support for ensuring that Michigan can meet its clean energy targets while stimulating job creation and economic development," said Dr. Laura Sherman, President of Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council and Institute for Energy Innovation. "Streamlining siting and permitting processes is not only critical to Michigan’s ability to be a national leader in the clean energy industry, but also is essential to support local communities and landowners."

"The permitting process under the Clean Energy and Jobs Act will provide clarity needed to advance clean energy projects and create good-paying jobs for the people of Michigan,” said Erika Kowall, Director of Midwest State Affairs for the American Clean Power Association. “This law will strengthen the state's clean energy and economic future, supporting both economic development and the deployment of affordable clean energy resources.”

"PA 233 represents a critical step forward for Michigan’s energy and business economies by providing a clear and efficient process for energy developments,” said Peder Mewis, Regional Director for Clean Grid Alliance. “This legislation ensures that Michigan remains a top destination for investment and innovation in wind, solar, and battery storage projects while protecting landowner rights and infusing much-needed revenue into communities."

“Michigan localities have already experienced the benefits available with the Clean Energy and Jobs Act,” said Trish Demeter, Managing Director for Advanced Energy United. “Fully instating these rules will provide a pathway for developing companies to attract jobs to the state and empower Michigan to continue leading the energy transition.”

The amicus briefs, filed in support of Michigan’s continued leadership in renewable energy development, call for the swift and full implementation of the Clean Energy and Jobs Act to ensure the law benefits both Michigan’s economy and its advance towards a clean energy future.

Read the brief and appendix filed by the Michigan Energy Business Innovation Council, Institute for Energy Innovation, Advanced Energy United, and Clean Grid Alliance.