Governor,
Legislature Must Improve Plan to Lead Michigan
Beyond Coal-Dominated Past into a Job Intensive, Independent Energy Future
Proposed funding for energy efficiency and renewable
electricity generation standards in Michigan
released today are a step forward, but do not achieve Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s
stated vision of producing the bold 21st Century energy plan the
state needs.
The Public Service Commission’s proposal, which includes a
roadmap to a new coal-fired power plant prepaid by ratepayers and improvements in
efficiencies and renewable electricity, does not do enough to stabilize
electricity costs, protect the environment and public health, or move the state
toward energy independence. Bolder steps are needed to achieve the Governor’s
vision of making Michigan
an epicenter for alternative energy development and stave off the need for more
dirty power production.
But it’s not too late.
In order to move Michigan
from energy laggard to leader, Granholm and the state legislature will need to
increase the energy efficiency and renewable energy goals – prioritizing them
ahead of tired, dirty, business-as-usual coal technology.
“Energy efficiency doesn’t sound sexy, but it’s the
cheapest, fastest and cleanest energy resource available to Michigan. It must be the centerpiece of any
visionary energy plan,” said Dr. Martin Kushler, Utilities Program Director of
the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. “Each kilowatt-hour saved
by ratepayers through programs for high-efficiency appliances, lighting and other
energy efficiency improvements costs less than half what utility ratepayers
would pay if that kilowatt-hour was bought from a new power plant.”
Renewable sources of electricity also need more support from
the plan. “Today’s plan calls for 10 percent of Michigan’s electricity from renewables by
2015. That’s certainly a good start, but a stretch goal of 13 percent by 2015
and 20 percent by 2020 would be even better. If Michigan is to become a 21st
Century leader in new, cutting-edge, money-saving energy technologies, we need
to make the strongest commitment possible.” said David
Gard, energy program director with the Michigan Environmental
Council.
Promoting energy efficiencies and adding more renewable
electricity sources like wind turbines and solar power will help reduce Michigan’s enormous
burden of $20 billion in imported energy costs every year. Instead of spending
that money on out-of-state products like coal, these Michigan-based clean
energy resources will ensure more job creation and economic development in Michigan.
“We’re sending the equivalent of $2,000 for every man, woman
and child in the state somewhere else to provide our energy. With energy
efficiency and renewables we could be keeping more of it here, providing new
jobs for Michigan
contractors, installers, suppliers and laborers,” said Kim Pargoff, advocate
with Environment Michigan.
Clean renewable power, along with more aggressive
utility-funded energy efficiency programs, would eliminate the need for a new
pollution-spewing coal plant in the near future. That would be a blessing for
thousands of asthmatics, the elderly, and others susceptible to respiratory
ailments and cancers caused by power plant pollution. Energy efficiency and
renewables would also boost efforts to reduce poisons like mercury, a
neurotoxin that is responsible for fish consumption advisories on every lake in
Michigan.
Efficiencies and green power, which are virtually free of
greenhouse gas emissions, are essential for cutting the enormous volumes of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses released by traditional power
plants.
Energy efficiency programs and renewable power also would
diversify the state’s coal-dependent energy system, providing more stable
electricity rates and helping guard against catastrophic failures like the 2003
blackout.
“Such a heavy reliance on coal is a relic of the past
century, and an increasingly dangerous and fragile method of putting all our
energy eggs in one basket,” said David Pettit, consumer advocate with the
Public Interest Research Group in Michigan.
A coalition of environmental, conservation, religious and
businesses has coalesced behind two key goals: (1) an
aggressive statewide utility funded energy efficiency program, with at least an
average of $146 million per year in funding over the next 10 years (the amount
modeled by the 21st Century Energy Plan study group); and (2) a
Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring a minimum 13 percent renewable
electricity by 2015 and a longer-term goal of 20 percent by 2020.
Organizations calling for 13 percent renewable energy by
2015 and 20 percent by 2020 include: American Council for an Energy Efficient
Economy, Clean Water Action, East Michigan Environmental Action Council,
Friends of the Detroit River, Izaak Walton League of America Dwight Lydell
Chapter, Izaak Walton League of America Michigan Chapter, Lone Tree Council,
Environment Michigan, Michigan Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life,
Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan Interfaith Power and Light, Michigan
League of Conservation Voters, National Environmental Trust, PIRGIM, and the
Sierra Club Mackinac Chapter.
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