The Michigan legislature has to address our struggling economy by laying the groundwork for new investments in the emerging clean energy industry. Now is the time to pass a strong and comprehensive "clean energy package" to insure that Michigan makes the most of clean energy business opportunities.

A clean energy package includes:

• A strong renewable energy standard
• A significant commitment to energy efficiency programs
• A robust process to review proposals for new power plants 

A strong clean energy package would not only ensure a better quality of life for residents of this great state but provide an essential boost to our failing manufacturing sector. Experts from across the state have declared that Michigan is the 7th best state in the nation for the manufacturing of clean energy technology.  With over half of the states already having passed the necessary bills to attract energy investors, delay is causing further damage to Michigan’s economy.

It is also critical to look beyond renewable energy and realize the true potential of energy efficiency, from both a cost-saving and economic development perspective. Demand for electricity can be reduced at less than half of the cost of producing new electricity from traditional base load power plants.  Utilizing energy efficiency programs keeps Michigan’s business climate competitive by keeping our electricity rates low.  It also benefits many large employers in the state that manufacture products such as high efficiency windows, insulation and energy efficient appliances. 

Lastly, the Michigan legislature must ensure that Michigan residents are getting the “best deal” possible as we move ahead.  Legislation must be passed that determines the best method for moving forward in the energy arena in terms of lowest cost, least risk, and most preferable environmental and economic characteristics for Michigan.  New power plants are just one type of energy resource and they can cost billions of dollars and invoke considerable environmental cost and risk.  Before ratepayers are asked to pay those costs, a thorough and open planning process should be conducted, in order to ensure Michigan residents are getting the “best deal” possible.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]