US ELECTIONS: GOP keeps Michigan House, keeping check on energy targets

Republicans appeared headed to keep control of the Michigan House of Representatives Nov. 5, leaving in place a check on Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer's drive toward a goal of 100% clean energy.

The results continue the pattern of Democrats failing to flip state legislative bodies and bolster clean and renewable energy goals this election cycle, based on preliminary results.

While some votes are still being counted, the Associated Press has called 55 races in favor of Republicans and 47 for the Democrats in the Michigan House races. Though eight races have not been called, unofficial results from the Michigan secretary of state put the final tally for the balance of power at 58-52 for the Republicans, based on the current leaderboard.

All 110 seats were up for grabs in the election. Headed into the race Republicans held 58 seats while Democrats held 51.

The results maintain a divided government in the state, with Republicans also continuing to hold the Senate.

Michigan remains heavily coal-dependent for power generation, with coal supplying about 32% of the state's electricity in 2019. A Democrat-controlled House could have lent support to additional renewable energy-friendly policies, as renewable capacity has grown to supply 8% of Michigan's power in 2019.

Twenty-nine states have mandatory renewable portfolio standards, And, according to the group Advanced Energy Economy, 10 states have 100% clean energy goals and another five have 100% renewable energy targets.