Title
Resolution of Support for Michigan Alternative Energy Systems Tax Treatment (House Bill Nos. 5143 and 5680)
Memorandum
The following resolution supports pending tax reform legislation that would eliminate the confusing patchwork of solar property tax assessment practices across the state.
Staff
Prepared by: Energy Commissioners John Mirsky and Mark Clevey
Reviewed by: Josh MacDonald, Sustainability Analyst
Reviewed by: Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Manager
Body
Whereas, In December 2012, with the adoption of the Climate Action Plan (“CAP”), the City Council committed the City to an ambitious, multi-strategy vision to address Climate Change by reducing community-wide greenhouse emissions (8% by 2015, 25% by 2025, and 90% by 2050, relative to year-2000 baseline carbon dioxide equivalent (“CO2e”) emissions levels);
Whereas, In City Council unanimously reaffirmed the local commitment to climate action in its Resolution Committing the City of Ann Arbor to Adopt, Honor and Uphold Paris Climate Agreement Goals (Resolution R-17-238);
Whereas, Mayor Christopher Taylor has endorsed and signed onto the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy and U.S. Climate Mayors initiatives;
Whereas, The Energy Commission’s CAP-derived Solar Goals (24 MW by 2025) were unanimously endorsed by the City Council in its June 2016 Resolution Authorizing a Commitment to Making the City of Ann Arbor a Solar Ready Community;
Whereas, To create a better energy future for all City and Michigan residents and businesses, the City needs a legislative agenda that eliminates barriers to alternative energy and that promotes aggressive adoption of next-generation alternative energy systems;
Whereas, Residential alternative initiatives in the City and across Michigan have been discouraged by the financial burden of current property tax laws and the confusion they have generated;
Whereas, The City Council supports distributed alternative energy generation as vital to fighting global climate change and empowering local economies with local investment and clean energy jobs;
Whereas, The Michigan House of Representatives passed Bills 5143 and 5680 with overwhelming bipartisan support;
Whereas, One or both of these bills are supported by The Michigan Environmental Council, The Alliance for Solar Choice, The Michigan Farm Bureau, The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, The Michigan Agribusiness Association, and The Michigan Municipal League;
Whereas, The City Council can again demonstrate its commitment to its CAP, its past resolutions and other actions, a better energy future, alternative energy systems, and combatting climate change by resolving to support these bills;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the Administrator to formally petition Michigan legislators representing City residents to actively support House Bills 5143 and HB 5680, and to direct the City’s lobbying resources to assist in those Bills’ passage.
Sponsored by: Councilmember Eaton