LANSING – State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) today threw his support behind an aggressive plan to establish Michigan as a 21st century powerhouse of renewable energy production, which will attract cutting-edge industries and boost our economy. The plan aims to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, fight global warming and help protect our Great Lakes and Michigan's other natural resources.
"Renewable energy is an emerging industry that is producing thousands of good-paying jobs and garnering millions of dollars in investment," McDowell said. "Right now, most of these jobs and investment dollars are going elsewhere. We cannot afford to keep losing those jobs and that revenue. We need to act now to position Michigan as a leader in renewable energy."
The 21st Century Renewable Energy Plan will:
· Require that renewable energy sources – such as solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass-based power – account for 10 percent of the state's energy production by 2015. The plan sets a goal of 25 percent by 2025.
· Foster more "alternative-energy renaissance zones" across the state by including solar and wind generation and fuel-cell technologies among those that qualify for renaissance zone tax abatements, helping to spur local investment in renewable energy.
· Promote energy conservation through updated construction codes and consumer tax credits for energy-efficient appliances.
· Provide tax credits for the purchase of solar equipment.
· Establishes a statewide target of reducing electricity consumption by 1 percent per year.
"For over a century, the Edison Sault hydroelectric plant in Sault Ste. Marie has provided clean, renewable energy for residents of the eastern Upper Peninsula," McDowell said. "Michigan has tremendous potential to become a leader in producing renewable energy from sources such as hydroelectricity, solar, wind, and biomass-based power. By acting aggressively to market Michigan as a prime location for these high-tech businesses, we can put our strong manufacturing expertise and infrastructure to work for a new purpose."