LANSING – A coalition of legislators, business leaders and clean energy advocates today announced a plan to catapult Michigan forward in alternative energy and make the state a magnet for clean, renewable energy jobs. The plan builds on legislation passed last year and further positions Michigan to meet growing demand for clean energy workers by offering powerful incentives for renewable energy development and manufacturing, energy efficiency and alternative energy production.
"Michigan's alternative energy sector is in prime position to be the spark that jumpstarts our economy," said Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township), a sponsor of the plan. "We need to do all we can to be a leader in renewable energy and attract jobs in new energy industries. We know job providers locate in states that promote 21st century energy – this plan ensures Michigan will be one of those states."
The legislation will position Michigan as a leader in producing alternative energy, as well as manufacturing energy-efficient products and components for renewable energy systems. The plan will:
- Create powerful incentives for alternative energy companies to come to Michigan by requiring that 30 percent of our electricity come from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy by 2025. This plan builds on legislation passed last year requiring that 10 percent of Michigan's electricity come from clean, renewable sources by 2015.
- Require utilities to work with their customers to decrease electricity usage so utilities sell 2 percent less energy each year.
- Revise building codes to increase energy efficiency.
- Encourage residents and businesses to become alternative energy entrepreneurs by allowing them to sell excess energy they create via renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines.
Research continues to show a huge potential for growth in the renewable energy industry. The U.S. Department of Energy has identified Michigan as one of four states that can create more than 30,000 manufacturing jobs in the wind sector alone. According to the 2009 Michigan Green Jobs Report from the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, a sample of more than 350 green-related firms showed job growth of 7.7 percent. In contrast, other Michigan businesses shed jobs at a rate of 5.4 percent.
"The alternative energy industry is poised to provide the kind of jobs that once anchored the middle class," said State Representative Dan Scripps (D-Leland), a sponsor of the plan. "As we produce more renewable energy, companies with good-paying, green-collar jobs will look at Michigan as a state open for business. By developing the wind turbines, solar panels and vehicles of the future, Michigan can help our nation reduce its dependence on foreign oil."
House Democrats have worked to put Michigan at the forefront of the alternative energy industry by passing the nation's first tax credits – totaling $555 million in incentives – to attract companies that research, develop and manufacture advanced batteries for electric vehicles. As a result of that aggressive strategy, four world-class companies plan to invest a total of $1.7 billion in Michigan and create more than 6,600 jobs.
"Just as we did with advanced batteries, Michigan must build on its efforts in alternative energy and secure these good-paying jobs," said State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township), who sponsored the original battery tax incentive bill. "By taking advantage of our manufacturing and other resources, we can retool and put thousands of residents back to work making the wind turbines, solar panels and advanced batteries that will power our country's future."
Like renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency has the potential to create thousands of jobs and save consumers money. The Energy Center of Wisconsin estimates that every dollar invested in energy efficiency produces $3 in savings.
"Alternative energy holds great promise and possibility for Michigan," said State Representative Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing). "With so many of our residents out of work and struggling to make ends meet, we must ensure that Michigan becomes the destination of choice for this job-creating industry. Making this groundbreaking commitment to alternative energy will prove to world-class companies that Michigan is serious about doing business and creating jobs."
Leaders from the clean energy community said the plan will help position Michigan as a leader in alternative energy.
"Michigan citizens demand a new energy future built from Michigan-made energy, not imported fossil fuels," said
Cyndi Roper of Clean Water Action. "Re-Energize Michigan means clean Michigan energy, good Michigan jobs and a strong
Michigan economy."