Michigan commits to 100% carbon dioxide-free electricity generation by 2040

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a commitment that the state will have 100% of electricity generation coming from carbon dioxide-free sources by 2040.

The Clean Energy and Jobs Act, according to NBC News, contains bills to increase energy efficiency and expedite the permitting process for wind and solar projects, in addition to mandating 100% greenhouse gas-free electricity generation by 2040.

The 2040 target directs state utilities to transition 60% of their generation sources to wind, solar or hydroelectric. Nuclear power, hydroelectric plants, and natural gas plants are allowed to make up 40% of the 100% target.

Including Michigan, 23 states have similar targets to be reached sometime between 2032 and 2050.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Michigan produced 48% of its total electricity generation from natural gas in June. Just under 25% of its electricity production came from nuclear, and 18% came from coal. Hydroelectric accounted for 1% of the total, and wind and solar made up 8%.