WARREN – A coalition of Macomb County lawmakers, 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.
"We can no longer rely on 20th century ideas to power our 21st century economy," said State Representative Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores), a sponsor of the plan. "We're in a position to become a leader in the alternative energy industry. That's why we must increase our focus on technologies and industries that will diversify our economy and make Michigan a magnet for new investments and jobs."
The legislation announced today at the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry/Training Center will position Michigan as a leader in producing alternative energy as well as manufacturing energy-efficient products and components for renewable energy systems. The lawmakers' 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.
"Alternative energy is a rapidly growing industry that is creating thousands of good-paying jobs around the country and world," said State Representative Harold Haugh (D-Roseville). "I want Michigan to get its fair share of these jobs and millions of dollars in local investment. We have to act now to ensure we are ahead of other states and countries looking to take advantage of this emerging industry."
Macomb lawmakers 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.
"Growing the alternative energy industry in Michigan will allow our workers to transfer their skills to this high-demand field," said State Representative Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond). "When people think of alternative energy and the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles, they should think of Michigan. Becoming a world leader in this industry will go a long way toward getting our economy back on track and our workers back on the job."
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.
"Taking simple steps toward increasing energy efficiency in homes across the state is one of the best ways to reduce energy costs for all Michigan residents," said State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren), sponsor of legislation to provide tax credits for homeowners who buy 'green' houses or make 'green' renovations or additions to their homes. "This plan is a step in the right direction toward reducing our energy costs and consumption, and providing more 21st Century jobs for Michigan workers."
Gary Polulak, Training Director at the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry/Training Center, applauded the legislation. The center has been instructing students in alternative energy technology for 10 years and has led the way in training our workers for good-paying jobs in this fast growing industry.
"The energy industry is changing and we're continuing to train our apprentices, journeymen electricians, and displaced workers every day to ensure they are ready to meet this new demand," Polulak said. "This plan will help spur the alternative energy industry in Michigan and create jobs for our workers installing the solar panels and wind turbines of the future."
Leaders from the clean energy community said the plan will help position Michigan as a leader in alternative energy.
"The ReEnergize Michigan campaign invests in Michigan energy, Michigan workers, Michigan manufacturing and Michigan businesses," Dana Sevakis of the Apollo Alliance. "We call on Lansing to join us, make Michigan a 21st century energy leader and put Michigan back to work."