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New legislation would require Michigan use 100% renewable energy by 2050

zzathras777

New legislation in the state house would require Michigan to use 100% renewable energy sources by 2050.

Lawmakers behind thelegislation point to a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which calls for aggressive reductions in carbon emissions to avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change.

Democratic State Representative Yousef Rabhi sponsored the legislation. He said his proposal calls for regular benchmarks towards the 2050 goal.

“We are marking out the years forward to make sure we’re continuing progress in making our energy sector renewable and carbon neutral.”

Under current law Michigan is on track to have 15% renewable energy by 2021.

Rabhi said his legislation simply builds on existing renewable goals.

According to Rabhi climate change needs to be taken seriously and transitioning towards renewable sources will reduce carbon emissions.

“The sooner that we act the more likely it is that we can avoid the worst and most devastating impacts of climate change. I think we need to think about not just those of us that are around now but also future generations.”

Rabhi introduced similar legislation in 2018 and received almost no support.

“And the public opinion has shifted dramatically in the last 18 months to the point where this time I have 29 democratic cosponsors on the bill.”

Rabhi said while he has strong democratic support, the legislation has no Republican sponsors.