LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) today voted for a comprehensive bipartisan energy plan that will create thousands of good-paying jobs, save Michigan consumers money and make our state a leader in the rapidly growing renewable energy industry.
"This plan will help attract major renewable-energy investors that were thinking about going to other states here instead, creating good-paying jobs that can't be outsourced," said Brown, a member of the House Energy and Technology Committee. "Establishing this renewable energy standard will help our Thumb communities expand upon the economic benefits that we have already achieved from wind energy. We can now speed up the growth of a new industry manufacturing wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable energy components to create jobs and put many of our laid-off residents back to work."
The comprehensive plan:
- Requires Michigan to increase the amount of electricity generated from clean, renewable sources such as wind, biomass and solar to 10 percent by 2015. Doing so will make Michigan competitive with nearly 30 other states that already have such a standard.
- Requires utilities to establish programs that help residents and businesses use electricity more efficiently, which will save consumers billions of dollars by reducing their usage.
- Fixes outdated rules to clear the way for construction of power plants needed to meet rising demands for electricity so that businesses will locate and expand in Michigan.
- Includes an income tax credit for working families and seniors to help with energy costs and tax credits for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances.
- Makes it easier for residents to sell electricity they produce from renewable energy systems such as wind turbines at their homes or business back to their utility companies.
"It's time to create our own energy, in our own communities, using our own workers," Brown said. "Investing in renewable energy will increase income for our Thumb-area farmers, attract more job providers, and bring more private investment into our communities. This plan provides the tools we need for Michigan to take control of its own energy needs and get our economy going again."