LANSING – State Representative Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) today threw his support behind 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's vast natural resources give us the potential to be a leader in the emerging field of renewable energy," LeBlanc said. "By investing in renewable energy, we will attract high-tech businesses to Michigan and create good-paying jobs for our workers, in addition to shoring up our state's energy future. This is the right move for Michigan."
The 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.
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.
"With our highly skilled workforce and world-class universities, Michigan is an ideal place for companies in the renewable energy industry to invest," LeBlanc said. "By taking action now, we can position ourselves to be at the forefront of this exciting industry. This plan also will give Michigan a chance to be part of the solution to global warming. Investing in renewable energy will bring great rewards to our residents, our businesses and our economy."