Public utilities: electric utilities; electronic transmission infrastructure; allow to use existing rights-of-way. Amends sec. 13 of 1925 PA 368 (MCL 247.183) & adds sec. 13a.
Key claim: A House-passed bill would let electric utilities put electronic transmission infrastructure in existing highway rights-of-way, and it now sits in the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.
Abstract
(HB5940 · 103rd Legislature) Public utilities: electric utilities; electronic transmission infrastructure; allow to use existing rights-of-way. Amends sec. 13 of 1925 PA 368 (MCL 247.183) & adds sec. 13a. Sponsor: Rep. David Prestin ® + 14 co-sponsors In committee: S Energy And Environment Latest vote: House Third Reading: Given Immediate Effect Roll Call #353 — 98-0 (passed, 2026-08-26) Latest action (2026-09-09): Referred To Committee On Energy And Environment
Why this matters
Siting transmission is one of the slowest steps in expanding grid capacity, and letting utilities use existing highway corridors could reduce land acquisition friction and permitting delays for new electronic transmission infrastructure. Unanimous House passage signals broad bipartisan comfort with the narrow right-of-way change, though the Senate Energy and Environment Committee still controls whether it advances.