Read About Our Work in the 2023-24 Legislative Session in Our Annual Scorecard
2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Michigan lawmakers are heading into a high-stakes legislative session that will shape our state’s future in an election year. Decisions on data centers, water and corporate accountability will determine whether families face higher costs or stronger protections. Michigan Sierra Club will be there to ensure people and communities come before corporate interests. Some top priorities for this year will focus on data centers, defending Michigan’s Clean Energy Law, microplastics, community solar and pushing back on false solutions and holding polluters accountable. Read more about these issues on our blog here.
From 1990 - 1995, Michigan had some of the strongest polluter pay laws in the country. Unfortunately, those were repealed, leaving taxpayers to pay to clean up contaminated sites caused by corporate polluters. It is unjust to force communities already dealing with the public health and environmental impacts of pollution to also be charged with cleaning up polluters' messes. Lawmakers have drafted and introduced a series of bills that would bring back accountability in Michigan and place the burden of cost back onto the polluters. This package includes bills that would require many industries to post bonds or hold insurance to cover cleanups in the event that they pollute and allow state and private citizens to sue polluters who have caused them harm. Read our statement on the back-to-back industry contamination events in Southeast Michigan.
Strong community solar policies will help make our grid more reliable, decrease energy bills, and give Michigan residents the tools to power their homes and businesses.
Cumulative impacts legislation to ensure critical protections for communities overburdened by air and water pollution
Passage of the Water affordability bill package and septics legislation that will bring Michigan closer to ensuring everyone has access to clean, safe, and affordable water. Learn more about the bills we are advocating for.
TAKE ACTION
Protect Our Great Lakes From Microplastics
Microplastics have been found in alarming numbers in every Great Lake. They've also been found in fish, drinking water, bottled water, beer, rain and even in the air we breathe - making their way into our bodies. Microplastics have been visualized in human brain tissue. To protect human health, the environment, and vital freshwater resources, we must take action today!
Tell the EPA: Our families need protection from toxic forever chemicals.
Support Community Solar
Michigan families deserve the freedom to choose clean, affordable energy and community solar makes that possible. Message your lawmakers and tell them to support community solar!