Special Interest Dimmer Switch Limits Crucial Energy Reform

Clean Water Action supported the energy package passed by the Michigan legislature earlier today. Although Michigan has a long way to go to be a real leader in renewable energy, we believe the state took a necessary first step when the House and Senate passed a compromise package.

The bi-partisan energy package requires utilities to get 10% of their energy from renewable sources by 2015 and puts in place programs that will cut energy use by 1% per year by 2012. Moreover, the package includes Integrated Resource Planning, which requires utilities to weigh the large economic and health costs of new polluting power sources against the benefits of renewable energy and efficiency programs.

Other portions of the bill will also increase investment in clean, renewable energy like wind and solar power. Net metering provisions will allow customers who install renewable power sources at their homes or businesses to sell back extra power to the utilities.

But there are a number of ways in which the compromise legislation falls short. Clean Water Action will join with others to pursue at least the following in 2009:

• Establish a 25% Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 2025
• Increase the state's energy efficiency standard to saving 2% of energy use through improved efficiency requirements
• Remove dirty sources of energy such as municipal trash incineration, plasma arc gasification and IGCC coal from the definition of renewable energy
• Eliminate the utility opt-outs and increase sanctions to assure that utilities meet the RPS requirements.

We are determined to help rebuild Michigan's economy. One powerful way to do this is by embracing the Governor Granholm's proposed 25% by 2025 renewable energy standard and her 2% annual energy efficiency savings requirements. Michigan truly can become a leader in the emerging clean energy economy.

But the Governor must also take action to regulate carbon dioxide from coal plants as a global warming pollutant, and we will continue working to see that she steps up to the plate on this front as well.