Environmentalists seek increased focus on renewable energy plans

Lansing ? A Michigan environmentalist group is calling for increased focus on renewable energy when Gov. Rick Snyder rolls out his plan for energy and the environment in a special message to the Legislature today.

The Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs coalition, which backed the failed Proposal 3 ballot initiative this month, said Tuesday it's continuing the push to increase the renewable energy standard. Proposal 3 called for Michigan utilities to purchase 25 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2025.

Snyder presentation this morning at Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners near Battle Creek is the next in a series of special messages he's had. Other topics included education, health care, worker development and public safety.

Tourists flock to Michigan's woods and waterways for recreation and sports. Supporters say the state's environment, highlighted by a highly successful Pure Michigan advertising campaign, is the foundation for a thriving tourism industry and plays an important role in attracting job-creating industries and professionals.

The Michigan Public Service Commission reported this year the state's major utilities are on track to meet the 10 percent by 2015 renewable energy standard. More than 30 other states ? including Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota ? have stronger renewable energy standards than Michigan, according to the group.

Mark Fisk, spokesman for Michigan Energy, Michigan jobs, said Snyder should keep up the pressure on utilities to continue increasing their use of energy from wind, solar and other renewable sources.

"We think the governor has a very important opportunity to lay out a road map (for renewable energy)," Fisk said at a news conference Tuesday.

Millions in advertising revenue was spent on both sides of Proposal 3. More than $10 million in mostly out-of-state money was raised in support of the measure, which proponents said would accelerate Michigan's move away from environmentally damaging fossil fuels while attracting investment and creating jobs.

The proposal was opposed by the Clean Affordable Renewable Energy for Michigan Coalition, which raised more than double that amount from major utility companies. Opponents said the renewable energy standard should not be included in the state constitution, and disputed supporters' job creation claims.

"As we've said all along, we strongly support renewable energy in a reasonable, responsible, affordable fashion," said Megan Brown, spokeswoman for the opponents. "However, the voters spoke at the polls on Nov. 6 and it is clear that the 2008 law is still working."

kbouffard@detnews.com

(517) 371-3660

Source: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121128/POLITICS02/211280361/1022/rss10

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