Our Electric Grid needs help! Before we talk about Electric Vehicles, Windmills and Solar Panels, Let's act today, by securing our vulnerable Power Grid from tree limbs!

Today marks the third time this year Michiganders all across our state have lost power in great number due to severe storms. As a food delivery driver, I see firsthand the damage, heartache and issues such storms create. Closed businesses. Small store owners sitting day and night, running generators, 24/7, preserving their perishable food. Dead traffic signals, creating traffic congestion (and craziness). Diners ordering food, in their dark homes, in sweltering summer heat. Not to mention all the people that need power to sustain life and health, such as oxygen machines! Storms with wind, rain (and ice) uproot trees, and break tree branches. 

Can something be done? Utility companies can (and should) move critical infrastructure underground. However, this will take years to complete, and billions of dollars in cost. Something can be done today, if Legislators in Lansing act. This is why I am petitioning for Lansing to pass laws, protecting our ever so critical electrical grid. Our energy has been invaluable every decade since its creation, and with the move towards electrification of more things (such as EVs), it will become exponentially invaluable in the very near future. Can you imagine if 1/3 or 1/2 of our population depended on Electric Vehicles for transportation, and massive power outages occurred, due to fallen tree branches knocking out power lines? We can, should and must act now.

Here are some legislative ideas that can protect our infrastructure:

1) Expand Utility Easement Rights.

1a. Prevent the installation of any object that can, at any time, damage or interfere with utility companies' property.

This would prevent new, large trees from being planted near power lines. Small trees, that would not grow tall, could still be planted near power lines.

1b. Enable and empower the utility company to remove objects that have or appear to be an imminent threat to utility companies' property.

Trees (or parts of them) that have fallen on power lines would be cut down immediately. Aging trees, diseased trees, or trees that otherwise pose a risk to utility companies' property should be marked or planned for removal.

2) Establish Enforcement Measures to Protect Utility Companies' Property

2a. Property owners (private or public) who interfere, prevent or otherwise cause risk or damage to Utility Companies' property should face penalties.

If a homeowner, for example, decided to ignore the laws, and plant a large tree underneath a power line, they should face penalties.