The Michigan Public Service Commission has submitted a report on renewable energy to Governor Snyder. That report indicates renewable energy is getting cheaper and more varied, ranging from wind and solar to biomass and ground source heat pumps.
But the surprising point in the report was this statement:
“...it is theoretically technically feasible for Michigan to meet increased Renewable Portfolio Standards of as much as 30% from resources located in the state.”
Michigan’s standard is now 10% by 2015. That’s way behind many other states (more here).
- New York’s standard is 29% by 2015.
- California’s is 33% by 2025.
- Colorado’s is 30% by 2020.
Lisa Wozniak is the Executive Director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. She says if policy makers in Lansing want to do better, they now know they can.
“I think it’s the Legislature’s opportunity at this point to come together and create a stronger standard that saves us money, creates jobs, and protects our air, land, and water,” Wozniak said.
You can likely expect to hear more from Governor Rick Snyder on the possibilities of becoming less dependent on fossil fuels in Michigan in the coming months.
Last year in a special message he called for a higher standard for renewable energy. He could do so again in another special message or during his State of the State address in January.
