LANSING - The Michigan State House of Representatives passed energy legislation requiring 10 percent of our state's electricity to come from clean, renewable energy by 2015 and setting targets for energy efficiency for Michigan utilities.
"The members of the House of Representatives deserve credit for taking a step forward for Michigan's environment and economy," said Danielle Korpalski, Environmental Associate for Environment Michigan. "Committing
Michigan to more clean, renewable energy will help Michigan reduce
pollution, and jump start a clean energy economy for the 21st Century."
House Bills 5525, 5548, and 5549 would provide Michigan with the
important tools to address global warming by using Michigan's energy
more efficiently, pursuing cleaner and more environmentally friendly
energy options, and fairly weighing clean energy alternatives with coal
and other dirty sources.
"These bills put Michigan on a path to tap our home-grown energy sources
such as wind, solar, clean biomass, and hydroelectric power," said
Korpalski. "We can now begin to move away from dirty and risky energy
sources of the past, and toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future."
"This clean energy package would allow Michigan to join the other 25
states that are already leading the nation by adopting renewable energy
standards," said Korpalski.
The bills now move to the Senate where Michigan's energy future will
continue to be debated.
"We thank the House for passage of these bills and look at them as a
good first step forward. We now turn to the Senate and ask them to
strengthen the package, because any weakening could prevent Michigan
from truly reaping the rewards of energy efficiency and renewable energy
technology," concluded Korpalski.
