DETROIT – 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.
"Michigan is facing a dire economic situation," said State Representative Bert Johnson (D-Detroit). "By investing in renewable energy, we have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this emerging industry. Energy is the key to creating jobs and breaking our dependence on foreign oil."
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.
- Establishes 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.
"The Motor City gave birth to the auto industry, and we can help pave the way for the renewable energy economy and the good-paying jobs that go with it," said State Representative Gabe Leland (D-Detroit).
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.
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.