Capitol News

Upper Peninsula lawmakers and union leaders are set to hold a press conference on Wednesday, urging the Michigan Senate to take up House Bills 4007 and 4283. The proposed legislation aims to prevent the early shutdown of reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) generators in the Upper Peninsula.

The event will feature Sen. Ed McBroom, Rep. Karl Bohnak, Rep. Parker Fairbairn, Rep. Greg Markkanen, Rep. Dave Prestin, representatives from Cleveland-Cliffs, and leadership from the United Steelworkers and other labor organizations.

According to organizers, the 13 RICE generators were built after the closure of Presque Isle and Shiras coal power plants in 2019 to help stabilize the region’s energy grid. They note that these generators have an expected operational life through 2049 and have contributed to a reduction of more than 70% in carbon dioxide emissions for the Upper Peninsula.

Organizers warn that new state energy laws could force these generators offline prematurely, which they say would trigger an electricity affordability crisis for residents and businesses in the area.

A recent development has added urgency to their call for legislative action. On October 27, an administrative law judge issued a recommendation regarding Upper Michigan’s Energy Resource Corp.’s renewable energy plan before the Michigan Public Service Commission. Lawmakers argue this recommendation would negatively impact UMERC ratepayers—including residential, commercial, and industrial customers such as Cleveland-Cliffs Tilden Mine—by increasing energy charges by over $10 million in 2026 and nearly $13 million in 2027 if approved.

The press conference is scheduled for November 12 at 9 a.m., at the House Republican press conference room on the eighth floor of Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.

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