Michigan used to lead — in industry, in innovation, and in building the foundation of America’s middle class. My goal is to lead again — this time, in shaping a smarter, stronger energy future.

As Chairwoman of the House Energy Committee, my goal isn’t to hold hearings and manage headlines — it’s to deliver results. And over the past few months, my committee has done just that.

In our first few months, we’ve cemented Michigan’s role as a leader in the Great American Nuclear Renaissance — clearing red tape, rewriting the rules, and telling the world’s top innovators: the next chapter of nuclear energy starts here in Southwest Michigan.

We protected the Upper Peninsula’s natural gas RICE generators — critical infrastructure built to keep the lights on after coal plant closures — from being shut down by the Democrats’ so-called “green energy” mandates.

We restored local control over the siting of wind, solar, and battery projects — because real progress doesn’t come from one-size-fits-all mandates. It comes from respecting the people who live on the land and letting their voices shape their future.

This isn’t window dressing. This is meaningful, structural reform — grounded in reliability, affordability, and good governance.

And we’re not slowing down.

In the weeks ahead and throughout this term, my committee will take up legislation to harden our grid, reduce blackout risks, and put Michigan families first — not last — in our energy priorities.

Yes, we’ve made big moves. And I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. But this isn’t a victory lap.

It’s a statement of intent.

We’ve got work to do. And we’re just getting started.

Pauline Wendzel serves as the Chairwoman of the Michigan House Energy Committee and proudly represents the 39th House District, which includes portions of Berrien, Van Buren, and Allegan Counties.