For Immediate
Release
Contact: Abby Rubley
July 31,
2007
(734) 662 - 9797
Michiganders
to lawmakers: “It’s time for strong clean energy policy!”
Over
14,000 public comments delivered to Senator Patterson, legislative leaders
Lansing, MI—Standing in front of a symbolic
representation of 200 wind turbines on the lawn of the State Capitol,
Environment Michigan and a coalition of environmental and conservation
organizations delivered over 14,000 public comments calling for strong clean
energy policies.
“This representation of 200 wind turbines is symbolic of the new
energy future we envision for the state of Michigan – one with clean, pollution
free electricity that would create thousands of jobs,” said Environment
Michigan Field Director Abby Rubley. “They represent enough power
for 140,000 homes (every household in Ingham Count and over
600 new direct jobs.”
Thousands of citizens and dozens of advocacy groups are asking Senator
Patterson, Chair of the Senate Energy Policy Committee, and Senate Majority
Leader Bishop to require 20% of Michigan’s
electricity to come from renewable energy by 2020 and to restart Michigan’s energy
efficiency programs with a goal of saving 1% of our electricity each
year. With over half a dozen clean energy bills already introduced in
both houses, the Michigan Legislature is expected to take action soon after its
summer recess. This message from Michigan
citizens also aligns perfectly with the clean energy debate that is heating up
on the federal stage – with the U.S. House debating a 20% by 2020 federal
renewable energy standard this week.
“After talking to over 50,000 Michiganders, the message is clear
– Michigan
is ready for a cleaner, cheaper energy future that stimulates rather than
drains our economy,” said Rubley. “Michiganders want our
energy needs to be met by clean, homegrown resources, not the polluting
resources of the past.”
Currently, 23 states plus the District of Columbia
have passed legislation requiring a percentage of their electricity to come
from clean renewable sources – including Michigan’s
Great Lakes neighbors Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania,
and Minnesota.
Also, twenty-two states have successful energy efficiency programs that
are saving their rate payers millions while protecting their environment.
Michigan has
neither.
The public comments are part of the efforts of a
coalition of over 20 environmental, faith based and labor organizations calling
on the legislature to enact “strong clean energy policies that will
create thousands of new jobs, reduce the current $20 billion drain on our
economy, enable healthier communities, and reduce our global warming
emissions.”
“Michiganders are supporting the consensus that clean energy is a
big part of the how America
will develop good jobs and lead the world technologically and
economically” stated Kim Pargoff, Energy Advocate for Environment
Michigan. “Given our economic situation, Michigan citizens are truly ready to harness
our technological know-how and create the jobs of today and tomorrow while
protecting our environment and way of life.”
These citizen comments also come on the heels of several key reports
outlining the economic and environmental benefits of a strong state commitment
to renewable energy. According to NextEnergy, the Detroit Economic Growth
Corporation and Environment Michigan Research &
Policy Center, if Michigan were to adopt
strong clean energy policies it would create 7,000 – 19,000 new jobs.
Additionally we would see at least a 30% reduction in global warming and other
pollution from power plants.
“The Michigan Senate needs to heed the progress of other
states,” says Brian Beauchamp with the League of Conservation
Voters. “Michigan has the
opportunity to make new investments in the economy, protect the Great Lakes and once again become a leader in
technological development, but we must act now.”
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Environment Michigan is a statewide, citizen-based
environmental advocacy organization.