LANSING (WKZO-AM) — Rep. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, says legislators are making progress on a series of energy bills that are aimed at keeping the lights on in Michigan.
He says the package is out of committee.
“It’s on the House floor now and I continue to talk to my coleagues about the importance of having a long-term, predictable energy policy in the state,” Nesbitt said.
But he’s also not expecting quick progress, despite Gov. Rick Snyder calling the reforms one of the state’s biggest priorities last year.
“We’re hopeful we can see some continued movement over the next few months,” Nesbitt said.
This contrasts with claims late last year from several lawmakers who were confidant a deal would be done before the 2015 holiday break.
The state needs to figure out how it will replace power lost by slated closures of nine coal-fired plants this year. Lawmakers are also being asked to focus on how to encourage renewable energy growth and whether Michigan customers should still be allowed to buy cheaper power from out of state.
– Anthony Pollreisz
