It’s episode #60 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast!
Michigan Democrats continue working on clean and affordable energy bills in the state legislature. They must get some of these bills passed before the November adjournment date, or else everything will get pushed back until next year. The main goals of these bills are to make Michigan caborn-free by 2035 or 2040, pushing for strong energy efficient standards to help low income areas, and to hold DTE and Consumers Energy more accountable. Derrell Slaughter, Michigan Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council returns to give an update on whether or not these bills will pass soon.
I share a few observations on the new Republican Speaker of the U.S. House, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, and how he’s not Vulgar MAGA, but he’s Refined MAGA, as The Washington Post’s Greg Sargent called it. I describe how corporate media have been working against the UAW during its strike against the Big Three Detroit Automakers. And I discuss how Michigan Republicans have no solutions to revamp our aging energy grid. Meanwhile, Democrats, who hold the majority in the legislature, are working to pass meaningful clean energy standards.
Finally, in my Last Call, I push for Democrats to pass real transparency reform laws, which is what we Michiganders called for when two-thirds of us voted to pass Proposal 1 in 2022. Michigan has the worst record when it comes to government transparency and accountability. But the legislature appears to be trying its best to cut some corners, which is not what we voted for.
Please, email me if you’d like to further discuss whatever I brought-up in the episode.
And I’d appreciate it if you could subscribe, and give a Five Star review of the podcast as well!
Take the battle to them!
leftoflansing@gmail.com
–Pat
SHOW NOTES
Natural Resources Defense Council
“Wind, solar and ending fossil fuels: See what’s in Michigan’s climate bills.” By Sheri McWhirter of MLive.com
“US renewable energy farms outstrip 99% of coal plants economically – study.” By Oliver Milman of The Guardian
“HOAs could lose ability to ban energy saving measures under new bill.” By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
“House panel passes renewable permitting package, despite pushback from local groups.” By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
“Michigan may fast-track local wind and solar. Is it ‘war’ or essential?” By Ben Orner of MLive.com
“Senate panel votes to repeal ‘Death Star’ legislation hampering local governments.” By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
“US renewable energy farms outstrip 99% of coal plants economically – study.” By Oliver Milman of The Guardian
Washington Post columnist Greg Sargent’s tweet on Mike Johnson becoming the new U.S. House Speaker
More Perfect Union’s tweet showing CNBC’s Jim Cramer giving false info on UAW President Shawn Fain’s salary
“Michigan lawmakers propose financial disclosures. Some fear they fall short.” By Lauren Gibbons of The Bridge Magazine
“Transparency legislation stalls in Michigan … again.” By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance
“Benson asks Legislature to make Michigan ‘worst to first’ for government transparency.” By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance
Michigan Proposal 1 results via Ballotpedia
“UAW strikes at General Motors plant in Texas as union goes after automakers’ cash cows.” By Tom Krisher of The Associated Press
Michigan Senate GOP tweet attacking Democrats’ clean energy bills
Photo: Pine River Dam in Alma, MI by Pat Johnston
And as promised, here’s a part of my good friend Rich’s Halloween Haunt in his front yard:
