Utility Companies Say State Needs New Energy Policy

Michigan’s big utilities say a ruling by the U-S Supreme Court Monday on mercury emissions should serve as a reminder to lawmakers to get busy on passing a new energy policy in the state.

Combined, Consumers Energy and DTE Energy will be shutting down nine coal-fired power plants by next spring.

A spokesman for Consumers says that should signal a sense of urgency for lawmakers.

House Speaker Kevin Cotter tells the Michigan Radio Network his caucus will be working on the issue over the summer with the hopes of having a bill to vote on by the fall.