Beyond the Bill: Rep. Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton)

Beyond the Bill is a new segment that features a Michigan Legislator for Detroit Regional Chamber members to get to know on a more personal level and highlight their legislative priorities.  

Michigan Rep. Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton) represents Michigan’s 109th House District, which includes Marquette and surrounding communities in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.). A lifelong “Yooper” and strong advocate for pragmatic energy policy, Bohnak has focused his legislative efforts on ensuring reliable power for Michigan’s economy while protecting the region’s natural resources. His approach emphasizes bipartisan collaboration and practical solutions to sustain industries critical to the U.P. Bohnak serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Economic Competitiveness and as a member of the Natural Resources and Tourism, Health Policy, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. 

Questioned about his favorite spot in his district, Bohnak shared a local treasure, Lunar Loaf, just northwest of Marquette near Sugar Loaf.

“Lunar Loaf has a well-worn foot path that takes one up the south side of the bluff,” he said. “Once on top, the location offers a spectacular view of Hogback Mountain to the west, Little Presque Isle to the northeast, and Sugar Loaf, along with the city of Marquette, to its southeast.”

For Bohnak, it’s a view that captures the quiet, enduring beauty that makes Michigan feel like home.

When asked what legislation he believes will have the biggest economic impact, Bohnak pointed to two key bills, House Bills 4007 and 4283, which he has both spearheaded. This legislation passed the House with strong bipartisan support earlier this year and now awaits action from the Senate.  

“[HBs 4007 and 4283] would amend Public Act (PA) 235 by designating the 13 Upper Peninsula reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) units powered by natural gas as clean energy sources,” he said. “Without this legislation, the U.P. would lose its mining industry, since intermittent wind and solar energy cannot reliably power an electric grid. These bills are leading the way to a more pragmatic and workable plan to power the U.P. and the entire state’s economy.” 

Bohnak also highlighted HBs 4007 and 4283 when asked about a bipartisan success story he is proud to have been a part of during his tenure in the House.  

“These bills temper the extreme aspects of PA 235 and give Michigan a fighting chance to compete in a marketplace that thirsts for more and more dispatchable, reliable energy to power the economy of the 21st century,” he said. 

As he continues his work in Lansing, Bohnak’s commitment to reliable energy and U.P. resilience will remain central to Michigan’s long‑term competitiveness. For Chamber members, his story reflects the deep connection between local priorities and statewide progress.