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Michigan’s energy problems are mounting.
From 1960 to 2001, Michigan’s energy consumption
tripled while the population grew by
only 26 percent. Since Michigan imports all of
its coal and uranium, 96 percent of its oil and
75 percent of its natural gas, energy consumption
not only has direct costs to residents and
consumers, but also represents a drain on
Michigan’s economy. Michiganders annually
spend over $20 billion importing energy (nearly
5 percent of Michigan’s GSP).
Of course, our fossil fuel dependence also
comes at a severe cost for public health and
environmental quality, as power plants are a
major source of air, water and global warming
pollution.
In response to these growing threats, Environment
Michigan called on all state candidates in
November’s election to support a New Energy
Future by helping Michigan achieve three key
goals:
• Harness clean, renewable, homegrown energy
sources for at least one-quarter of all energy
needs by 2025;
• Save energy with high performance homes,
buildings and appliances so that by 2025 we use
10 percent less energy than we do today; and
• Commit $5 billion over the next 10 years to
clean energy ventures that would turn Michigan
into a national energy leader.
Achieving these goals would put Michigan on
a path that emphasizes clean, renewable, homegrown
energy resources as opposed to imported
fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
Fortunately, our elected officials are beginning
to see the benefits of supporting energy independence.
During our electoral campaign, Environment
Michigan managed to get 87 candidates for
state office signed on to this visionary platform.
Thirty-three of these candidates won, including
several in leadership positions on both sides of
the aisle. Moreover, our efforts were highlighted
by media ranging from the Detroit Free Press to
Michigan Public Radio.
Environment Michigan is committing to putting
our plan into action by working with the legislators
who committed to a New Energy Future for
Michigan and by building out from this base of
support.
The first, important steps are to pass a strong
renewable energy portfolio standard and to fully
fund state energy efficiency programs. Initial indications
are good that we will prevail on these
important energy independence policies. |
