For jobs and survival, Michigan needs community solar now
Michigan lawmakers are considering Senate Bills 152 and 153 to enable community solar, allowing all residents to access clean, affordable, and reliable energy, regardless of income or housing status, and creating thousands of jobs in the state.
The Empower Michigan coalition calls on state agencies to prioritize community-owned solar to fulfill the EPA's Solar For All program requirements.
Overview:
Michigan lawmakers are urged to pass Senate Bills 152 and 153, enabling all residents to opt for clean, affordable, and reliable energy via community solar.
This legislation would allow renters to buy clean energy from local solar arrays and automatically gain bill credits from community solar power generation, cutting utility costs for disadvantaged residents.
Community solar is accessible to low-income customers and those in multifamily housing, creates thousands of jobs, and boosts energy reliability.
“The recent article on Michigan’s pressing need for community solar shines light on a critical step towards a sustainable energy future. At Lightstar, we wholeheartedly support the passage of Senate Bills 152 and 153. These bills promise not only to democratize access to clean and affordable energy for all Michigan residents but also to invigorate the local economy by creating thousands of jobs.
Community solar represents an innovative energy solution, particularly for low-income households and individuals in multifamily housing who traditionally lack access to renewable energy options. By giving renters the opportunity to purchase energy from local solar arrays and receive bill credits, these bills would significantly reduce utility costs for disadvantaged communities across Michigan.
Lightstar is committed to developing, building, and operating community solar projects that benefit landowners, their land, and the wider community. We prioritize stewarding the land responsibly, ensuring that our projects are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically beneficial to local stakeholders. Our approach involves maintaining long-term partnerships with landowners, ensuring that the benefits of solar energy extend far beyond the immediate financial incentives.
For Michigan lawmakers, energy advocates, and local residents, supporting these bills is a crucial move towards a cleaner, more inclusive energy landscape. By endorsing this legislation, we invest in Michigan’s energy independence and resilience, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
We urge all stakeholders to rally behind Senate Bills 152 and 153 and seize this opportunity to lead Michigan towards a sustainable and equitable energy future.”
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