Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Faces Challenges as State Implements Clean Energy Laws
Michigan recently joined the ranks of states with clean energy standards, passing legislation that mandates utilities to use 100 percent clean electricity by 2040. This law also includes targets for renewable energy development and other requirements aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Now, the Michigan Public Service Commission is tasked with implementing these laws, with a special focus on the Upper Peninsula.
The Upper Peninsula, or U.P., is a vast and sparsely populated region in the northern part of Michigan. It is geographically isolated from the rest of the state by bodies of water and has a unique energy landscape. The region has a high number of utilities serving a small population, leading to a need for increased collaboration among them. Additionally, the existing grid infrastructure was designed to support energy-intensive industries such as mining and paper mills, resulting in high costs for residents over the years.
One of the key challenges facing the Public Service Commission is the presence of natural gas plants, specifically reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE units), that were approved in 2017 as a cleaner alternative to coal. While these engines are more efficient and cleaner than coal, there are concerns about their long-term compatibility with Michigan’s clean energy goals.
The state’s new energy laws highlight the expensive nature of these natural gas engines in the U.P. and ask the commission to find ways to address this issue. While the legislation does not mandate shutting down the engines, it prioritizes natural gas paired with carbon capture as the clean energy option. This puts pressure on the utility running the engines to either incorporate more renewables or find alternative compliance strategies.
The commission is currently exploring various options to address the RICE units, including emission reduction measures and a holistic approach to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Stakeholders, including mining officials, utility representatives, and environmental groups, have presented differing views on the matter. While some argue for the continued operation of the natural gas engines, others advocate for a strict implementation of the state’s clean energy laws.
As the commission navigates these complexities, it must balance the immediate need for reliable energy in the U.P. with the long-term goal of transitioning to cleaner sources. The commission’s decisions will not only impact the energy landscape in Michigan but also serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges in their clean energy transitions. Michigan has set ambitious goals for its transition to clean energy, with a target of reaching 100 percent clean energy by 2040. This makes Michigan one of the more aggressive states in terms of timeline, as most other states with similar goals have targets further out in time. The state is also aiming to get 80 percent of its energy from clean sources by 2035, showing a gradual approach to the transition.
However, the transition to clean energy in Michigan is not without its challenges, particularly in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.). The region has faced issues with the reliability of the electrical grid, leading to frequent power outages that can have serious consequences for residents. Tori McGeshick, a member of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, highlighted the impact of unreliable power on the community, especially on elders and those with specific medical needs. Additionally, power outages have disrupted traditional harvesting activities, affecting the livelihoods of many residents.
Some experts argue that natural gas may not be a sustainable long-term solution for reliable and affordable energy in Michigan. Roman Sidortsov, an associate professor of energy policy, pointed out the volatility of gas prices and the need for more stable energy sources. He suggested that distributed generation, utilizing smaller, localized sources of energy, could be a more viable solution for meeting the region’s energy demand.
Michigan has been recognized as a leader among states working towards an all-clean energy standard. Douglas Jester, a managing partner at 5 Lakes Energy, noted that the state’s clean energy standard allows utilities to sell some fossil fuel power back to the grid, but this may not be financially viable in the future as neighboring states shift towards renewables.
As Michigan continues its transition to clean energy, there is a growing need to update and rethink the grid infrastructure, especially in the U.P. The development of energy storage capacity and the integration of smaller, distributed renewable energy sources will be essential in achieving the state’s clean energy goals. Overall, Michigan’s commitment to clean energy represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for sustainable living practices as people become more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment. One such practice that has gained significant attention is zero waste living.
Zero waste living is a lifestyle that aims to reduce the amount of waste produced by individuals and households to as close to zero as possible. This means minimizing the use of single-use plastics, recycling and composting as much as possible, and choosing products with minimal packaging.
One of the key principles of zero waste living is the concept of “refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot.” This means refusing single-use plastics and disposable items whenever possible, reducing the amount of waste produced by choosing products with minimal packaging, reusing items instead of buying new, recycling materials that can be recycled, and composting organic waste.
There are many benefits to adopting a zero waste lifestyle. Not only does it help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, but it also helps conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, living a zero waste lifestyle can save money in the long run by reducing the amount of products that need to be purchased.
One of the challenges of zero waste living is that it requires a shift in mindset and habits. It can be difficult to break away from the convenience of single-use plastics and disposable items, but with a bit of planning and preparation, it is possible to make the transition to a zero waste lifestyle.
There are many resources available for those interested in living a zero waste lifestyle. From blogs and social media accounts dedicated to zero waste living tips and tricks, to bulk food stores and refill stations that allow you to bring your own containers, there are plenty of ways to support a zero waste lifestyle.
Overall, zero waste living is an important movement that can have a positive impact on the environment and our planet. By making small changes in our daily habits and choices, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future for future generations.
