Michigan cannot afford radical energy policies

Last week, Democrats jammed a serious rewrite of Michigan’s energy policy through the Senate along party lines. Policy shifts of this magnitude should not be so blatantly partisan. This extreme, impulsive strategy thrown together by Gov. Whitmer and legislative Democrats will set Michigan on a disastrous economic course, stifling growth in our communities. Even one of the bill sponsors has admitted that implementing this radical Michigan Green New Deal will force families and job creators to pay much higher energy costs.

As if the cost of living wasn’t increasing enough, higher energy bills are now being added on top of the almost $2 billion in payroll and income tax increases getting pushed through the Legislature by Lansing Democrats. It appears that life in Michigan is becoming more unaffordable with each partisan bill they pass.

Radical ideological approaches to energy policy typically result in having to correct course and revert back to traditional fuels and nuclear power that will make sure peoples’ lights come on when they flip the switch. We have seen the evidence from states like California and Illinois that are now grudgingly bringing nuclear plants back online and countries like Germany that shuttered nuclear plants only to become reliant on Russian natural gas.

This is not the time to force the people of Michigan to pay more for less reliable energy. Michiganders deserve responsible energy policy — an all-of-the-above approach that utilizes existing and reliable sources, including natural gas and nuclear energy, while continuing to build up a renewable grid for the future. We can be both environmentally conscious and help lower costs for families, seniors, and small businesses.

Should you have any questions or concerns about the legislature or state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office by going to www.SenatorAricNesbitt.com. You may also reach out by calling (517) 373-0793 or by email at SenANesbitt@senate.Michigan.gov. My staff would be happy to assist with issues you may be having with state government agencies, and I look forward to listening and learning about your priorities and concerns for our state.