Michigan Democrats propose renewable energy requirements
Lansing - Michigan's goals for shifting to green energy could be expanded under bills unveiled Monday by House Democrats, business leaders and clean energy advocates.
The plan would require that 30 percent of the state's electricity come from renewable sources by 2025; 10 percent is already required to come from solar, wind or other green sources by 2015. The package also would require utilities to work with their customers to decrease energy use by 2 percent per year, and mandate revisions in building codes to cut down on energy use.
Proponents say the package will make Michigan a prime location for new jobs in the green energy industry. The plan does not include any new tax credits - such as the $555 million in incentives adopted earlier this year for manufacturers of advanced battery systems for electric vehicles - but it would encourage alternative energy entrepreneurs by allowing them to sell excess energy created via renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines.
"We have idled manufacturing plants just waiting for the renewable energy industry to come to Michigan," said Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes, D-Lyndon Township, who sponsored one of the bills.
"There is no time to waste here. We can't allow the renewable energy jobs to go to other states."
The package includes 11 bills that will be introduced over the next several weeks, sponsors said. If passed by the House, the bills are unlikely to get attention in the Senate until the state's budget crisis is resolved, said Matt Marsden, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester.
"We can't address any other issue ... until we resolve the problem that's put before us now with the $1.7 billion budget deficit," Marsden said. Lawmakers must agree on a budget by the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1 or risk a state shutdown.
State Rep. Lee Gonzales, D-Flint Township, said requiring that Michigan increase its reliance on renewable energy will create a ready market for companies that produce wind turbines, solar panels and other green energy products.
"Michigan must not only (attract) renewable energy companies ... we should be using the products right here in Michigan," Gonzales said.
A 2009 state Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth survey of more than 350 green-related firms showed job growth of 7.7 percent, compared with a 5.4 percent job decline in other Michigan industries.
State Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, said tightening Michigan's building codes will result in reduced energy costs for consumers and business while spurring growth in the renewable energy industry.
"Increasing efficiency in our building codes is where money can be saved," Meadows said. "It makes jobs (and) it puts people back to work."
Cyndi Roper, Michigan director of Clean Water Action, said the package would be good news for Michigan.
BY KAREN BOUFFARD
Detroit News Lansing Bureau
kbouffard@detnews.com
(517) 371-3660
