Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Union of Concerned Scientists Calls For 30% Renewable Energy Standard for Michigan

Well, duh.

The non-profit Union of Concerned Scientists releases its peer-reviewed report today. It and the Midwest Governors Association recommend Midwest states like Michigan require 30-percent of its electric supply come from renewable energy sources by the year 2030.

“Right now, Michigan is leaving Money on the table by not being as aggressive as it could be and as its neighbors like Illinois and Minnesota and others have been in creating clean energy jobs.”

U.C.S. Midwest Director Steve Frenkel says Michigan would do better if policy makers bought into the M.G.A. recommendation.

The state’s current renewable energy law requires 10-percent of its power be generated by renewable sources by 2015.

“The state of Michigan has tremendous potential to not only generate jobs and investment in the state but to really transition the economy towards a clean energy future by adopting stronger clean energy policies.”

The study shows we would gain 15,000 jobs and $6 billion in investment, not to mention $9 billion in savings for consumers on electric and natural gas prices.

How long, how long must we sing this song...

Update: Gongwer has more.