Democratic congressional candidate Sean McCann has received at least $57,600 in campaign contributions from energy groups while publicly supporting policies, such as Michigan's "Green New Deal," that are projected to increase utility costs for consumers. McCann is running to unseat Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga in Michigan's 4th Congressional District.

McCann, who previously served on the Kalamazoo city commission, in the Michigan House, and in the Michigan Senate, where he chaired the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, has accepted funds from DTE Energy PAC and CMS Energy Corporation Employees for Better Government since 2011. He also received at least $560 in food and beverages from energy lobbyists since 2021.

During his tenure in the state Senate, McCann supported Senate Bill 271 of 2023, which established clean energy requirements aimed at achieving a 100% clean energy standard by 2040. A provision in the bill mandates that utility companies implement at least a 50% renewable energy portfolio by 2030. Critics, including the Mackinac Center, a policy nonprofit, have projected that this bill could lead to significant cost increases for Michigan residents and potentially increase the risk of blackouts.

Following the bill's passage, McCann stated that these policies would "safeguard public health and better protect our environment now and for future generations." Around the same time, McCann voted against an amendment to a separate bill, SB 502, which would have prevented utility companies from raising residential electric rates until 2040.

McCann's campaign has countered by pointing to contributions received by his opponent, Rep. Bill Huizenga. According to FEC records, Huizenga has received approximately $80,500 from DTE since 2010, in addition to contributions to his joint leadership fund and PAC. A spokesperson for McCann's campaign accused Huizenga of attempting to obscure his own record of accepting utility company funds and voting for increased energy prices.

McCann has not yet secured the Democratic nomination for the general election in November. Michigan's primary elections are scheduled for August 4.