LANSING – House Democrats today launched an aggressive plan to establish Michigan as a 21st century powerhouse of renewable energy production, which will attract cutting-edge industries and boost our economy. The plan aims to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, fight global warming and help protect our Great Lakes and Michigan's other natural resources.
"By acting now, we can be at the forefront of the emerging renewable energy industry," said House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.). "That security will reward residential and business consumers. By securing our energy future, this plan moves our state forward and makes Michigan a key player in the 21st century global economy."
House Democrats' 21st Century Renewable Energy Plan will:
- Require that renewable energy sources – such as solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass-based power – account for 10 percent of the state's energy production by 2015. The plan sets a goal of 25 percent by 2025.
- Foster more "alternative-energy renaissance zones" across the state by including solar and wind generation and fuel-cell technologies among those that qualify for renaissance zone tax abatements, helping to spur local investment in renewable energy.
- Promote energy conservation through updated construction codes and consumer tax credits for energy-efficient appliances.
- Provide tax credits for the purchase of solar equipment.
- Establish a statewide target of reducing electricity consumption by 1 percent per year.
House Democrats also will be examining ways to expand programs at community colleges to train workers to maintain new renewable energy technologies.
A program focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency would create tens of thousands of new jobs and pump hundreds of millions of dollars into Michigan's economy, according to a recent NextEnergy study prepared for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Scientists and leading environmental groups, including researchers at the University of Michigan, warn that without a substantial reduction in harmful emissions, the effects of global warming will take a greater toll on our state – reducing the volume of our Great Lakes, sparking droughts, and causing a spike in the number of over-90-degree days in Detroit.
"Michigan has great potential to be a leader in the emerging energy industry, and this plan will make that happen," said State Representative Frank Accavitti (D-Eastpointe), Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee and lead sponsor of the legislative package. "Energy is the key to creating the jobs of the future and reducing our dependency on foreign oil."
Michigan ranks second in the Great Lakes region for wind generation potential, but has not yet capitalized on that potential – and the state is behind its neighbors, according to Environment Michigan, a leading organization that advocates for renewable energy.
"The same state that gave birth to the auto industry will pave the way for the renewable energy economy and the good-paying jobs that go with it," said State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids). "By investing in renewable energy, we will create jobs, fight global warming and protect our Great Lakes."
Michigan depends almost entirely on fuels imported from other states and countries, and the state has the nation's eighth-highest cost burden when it comes to the amount we spend on energy, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
"With our great workforce and great universities, Michigan is in an ideal position to entice emerging industries to our state and create jobs," said State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City). "The Great Lakes State can also be the Great Energy State."