Governor Granholm Signs Historic Energy Legislation
Signing ceremonies were held at two different locations yesterday to celebrate the passage of historic legislation that will ensure that Michigan will move down the path to renewable and affordable energy for our future needs. We will create new jobs, diversify our economy, and protect our environment as well as work to end our dependence on fossil fuels.
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed into law a bipartisan energy package she proposed in her 2008 State of the State address that will create jobs, diversify Michigan’s economy, and save customers money on their electric bills by ensuring that the bulk of Michigan’s future energy needs are produced from renewable energy resources and energy efficiency savings.
“This comprehensive package will create tens of thousands of new energy jobs by making Michigan even more attractive to job-creating companies that are looking for a place to expand as they meet the growing demand for energy from renewable sources like wind and solar power,” Granholm said. “It also helps reduce costs for our citizens by requiring new energy efficiency programs and reducing the need for additional coal-burning power plants.”
The three-bill package signed by Granholm at two different events today includes a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that mandates 10 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable sources by 2015, regulatory reform that protects Michigan ratepayers and allows utility companies to build new electricity generation in Michigan, and a requirement that utilities meet an additional 5.5 percent of Michigan’s annual electricity demands through energy efficiency by 2015.
Dowding Industries was the host of one ceremony. Just last year they were awarded a $9 million dollar bond from the MEDC to expand their operations in anticipation of the growth that is happening in the alternative energy manufacturing area. Workers looked on from the balcony as Governor Granholm signed the law that will bring them new orders for wind turbine bases and hubs – WILX in Lansing has the video:
Many studies have estimated that Michigan holds amazing potential for job growth…
Two recent studies identified the tremendous job-creating package this type of policy can have for Michigan. The U.S. Department of Energy found that Michigan is one of only four states with the potential to create more than 30,000 manufacturing jobs in wind production alone, while the Center for American Progress estimates that Michigan can create more than 60,000 jobs by investing in wind, solar, biofuels and energy efficiency.
Green energy manufacturing is considered to be a perfect fit for Michigan given the state has superior tool and die, metal fabrication, and metal working capabilities; manufacturing expertise and facilities that can be retrofitted to produce things like wind turbines; a manufacturing supplier network that is already starting to supply green tech manufacturers; tremendous research and development expertise in our universities and corporate research centers; a world-class workforce; and an outstanding wind resource.
… as well as energy production. The Land Policy Institute recently released a study that shows Michigan’s offshore wind potential could make us one of the nation’s leaders in wind energy generation.
Michigan has the potential to become a big player in offshore wind energy, so says a new report released by the Land Policy Institute (LPI) at Michigan State University (MSU). The preliminary analysis finds that Michigan’s portion of the Great Lakes has the capacity to produce 321,936 Megawatts of electricity from wind energy, a portion of which could be developed once depth, technology, view and environmental concerns are considered. Michigan’s onshore wind potential was previously estimated at approximately 16,500 megawatts. The information provided by the new LPI report shows much more substantial opportunities for offshore wind energy.
“This result has the potential to elevate Michigan’s wind energy profile nationally and internationally because the resource available is significant,” said Dr. Soji Adelaja, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy and director of the Land Policy Institute. “Michigan is one of few states with the opportunity to generate wind power from its offshore areas.”
Efforts are currently underway on the East Coast to install offshore wind farms. Michigan will be able to learn from their experience and apply that knowledge when it comes to creating our own offshore capabilities.
With this legislation, Michigan joins over half the nation in enacting a renewable portfolio standard, and we are on our way towards a “green” future, in more ways than one!
