The 15% Renewable Energy Standard.. Good Intentions, Bad Policy

One of the hot button issues occurring in our legislature is a debate surrounding Michigan’s renewable energy standards. The current renewable energy standard is 10% and there is an effort to raise that level to 15%. For those who do not know, the renewable energy standards require that “x” amount of energy that Michigan uses must come from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal heat.

The effort to raise our standards to 15% is based on good intentions, as proud Michiganders we love our ‘Great Lakes State’ and the beautiful environment that is at every turn. It is our duty to protect our lakes, trees, sand dunes, and other wonders that we take for granted every day.

The vast majority of Americans want our government to pursue and use renewable energy sources, something that is popular regardless of political preferences. We strive for a healthy environment and unless you are Homer Simpson, we don’t want it to go by the wayside.

But, we cannot pursue renewable energy standards while sacrificing our economy.

Many people who want the new 15% renewable energy standard do not look at the effect that it will have on the economy and businesses. With a 15% renewable energy standard that has no oversight, there will be an increase in taxes on businesses and the consumer.

Rather, we need an all of the above approach to the issue. We need a 15% renewable energy standard plan that incentivizes “clean energy” companies to move to Michigan. With new energy companies, there will be an increase in jobs and more competition which will lead to lower prices across the board for consumers when we go to pay our utility bills. Most importantly, we have to protect our Michigan jobs. We cannot have a plan that will put our companies out of business for the sake of our environment, there has to be a compromise.

We can compromise and do what is best for our State but we must keep the pressure on our legislators. Call your legislator and tell them that you want to protect the economy and the environment, not one or the other.