Press Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Jim Barcia |
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2007-06-15 |
(517) 373-1777 |
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Barcia Testifies in Support of Aggressive Renewable Energy Standards to Create Jobs, Protect EnvironmentStrong Standards Would Make Michigan a Leader in Field |
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| LANSING - Sen. Jim Barcia (D-Bay City) was the featured speaker today at the Senate Energy Policy and Public Utilities Committee Meeting. Barcia testified about his renewable energy legislation, S.B. 385, which would require 20 percent of Michigan’s electricity to come from clean, renewable sources by 2020. This bill would also require the Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish a renewable energy portfolio standard for each electric service provider and require providers to submit annual compliance reports to the PSC. Today’s testimony coincides with Committee Chairman Bruce Patterson’s (R-Canton) announcement of the creation of a work group to study renewable portfolio standards and alternative fuels. “Renewable energy is the ticket to a renewed economy for Michigan. We need an aggressive strategy to make this technology a reality,” said Sen. Jim Barcia. “Other states have already experienced job creation as a result of their efforts to encourage renewable energy, and our manufacturing infrastructure, natural resources, and workforce give Michigan the tools to become a national leader in this field. I’m grateful for Sen. Patterson’s interest in moving this issue forward and appreciate the opportunity discusses to testify.” So far, more than 20 other states and the District of Columbia have implemented a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). This legislation would allow Michigan to compete with our Great Lakes neighbors-like Wisconsin and Minnesota-who are already creating renewable energy-related jobs. It would also give our state the tools to capitalize on its manufacturing strengths and develop a clean energy industry. Michigan’s skilled manufacturing base also makes the state a strong candidate for the production of the materials associated with renewable energy, for instance, windmills. “These standards may seem strong, but a crucial piece of this is setting standards that encourage development in the technologies surrounding renewable fuels,” said Barcia. “Sticking to the status-quo won’t push development--investment in technology and research will. Just think, who could have imagined the impact of the internet on technology even 10 years ago?” The State of Michigan currently spends over $18 billion a year to import energy from dirty, non-renewable sources. By doing so, we are not only harming our own water and air quality, but we are effectively subsidizing thousands of energy jobs in other states as well. Michigan is the 14th windiest state in the country, and it is second in the Great Lakes in terms of wind generation potential. Studies by groups like Environment Michigan and the Apollo Alliance suggest that implementing even a modest RPS could lead to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs and would help keep a portion of the more than $18 billion we spend annually on dirty, non-renewable energy from other states. Editor’s Note: A copy of Barcia’s testimony is available upon request. |
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