Lansing – Representatives from Michigan’s burgeoning new energy economy today called on state legislators to light the fuse for explosive economic growth in the clean energy power sector.

Vast untapped potential for high-paying jobs in clean energy industries exists in Michigan, thwarted by the lack of both aggressive energy efficiency programs and standards to generate more renewable power. Legislation to establish both is awaiting action and should be implemented swiftly.

“Right now 26 states have standards requiring utilities to generate a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable resources like wind, solar and biomass,” said Jeff Metts of Eaton Rapids-based Dowding Industries, Inc. “Those are the states where cutting-edge companies are locating to build wind turbines, install solar panels and invest in research and development. The sooner Michigan throws down the welcome mat, the sooner we’ll be able to court those companies.”

Michigan residents currently spend $20 billion each year on fuels imported from out of state – including all of the coal and uranium used to fuel conventional power plants.

“No one’s pleased about sending away money to provide jobs and revenue for other states and nations who provide us with fuel,” said Gene Townsend, of Odeena Development Group. “We’re asking legislators to help us keep some of that here.”

Renewable power accounts for about 3.5 percent of the state’s electricity. Legislation has been introduced that would require Michigan to meet renewable targets similar to those of neighboring states such as Illinois which passed a 25% by 2025 requirement and Wisconsin which passed a 10% by 2015 target.

Diversifying the power sources would lead to more stable energy prices, a more reliable electric system, and significant reductions in toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants that include asthma-inducing smog, mercury, and heat-trapping carbon dioxide that accelerates global warming.

“More energy efficiency and renewable power has always made sense from a public health and environmental standpoint,” said Matt Rosendaul, owner of Peaceful Existence, a Charlotte-based company that specializes in home energy audits and ratings. “Now that the technology and prices have made it competitive with coal, it makes economic sense too.”

Energy efficiency programs provide financial incentives for businesses and homeowners to buy high-efficiency lighting systems, boilers and appliances, insulation and other energy-saving products and systems. They typically pay for themselves many times over. Efficiency savings cost a fraction of comparable power generation. But Michigan needs the right policies in place to drive these investments.
 
“Requiring utility-funded energy efficiency programs is the cheapest, fastest and cleanest policy option available,” said Dr. Martin Kushler, of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. “Energy efficiency programs produce savings at less than half the cost of new electricity or natural gas supplies.”

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