LANSING (WKZO-AM) — State Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, says he remains optimistic that lawmakers can pass a package of Michigan energy reforms by February, despite the bills stalling in committee.
The Senate is still discussing a pair of bills. One focuses on how to encourage renewable energy growth, while the other confronts how Michigan will replace power lost by the closure of nine coal-fired plants next year.
Proos says legislators like what they see, but also says they want to be sure about impacts.
“The two bills themselves have had 60 hours worth of hearings,” Proos said. “Everybody that could possinbly has something to say about it has had their opportunity.”
“Really, that’s the way you want your government to work,” Proos said.
Another factor is workload. Bills in the opposite chamber have stalled because of discussions on the new education and operations district for Detroit Public Schools and the breaks for the Steelcase Pyramid data center near project near Grand Rapids.
Proos says he’s confidant the bills can reach the governor’s desk before budget discussions start.
– Anthony Pollreisz
