The winds of change are blowing strong in Michigan. They are moving over the lakes and across the plains, gusting through depopulated urban centers and ritzy suburbs alike. The problem is that state lawmakers are slow to harness these winds: A clean, endless supply of economic rejuvenation blows right by them.
Michigan possesses tremendous wind energy resources. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory says that we have wind resources that are consistent with utility-scale energy production. We could generate enough zero-pollution electricity to replace or supplement multiple large power plants. What's more, the turbines that capture wind energy can be manufactured in Michigan, creating thousands of jobs and diversifying the state's economy.
But last month, state Senate Republicans said no to large-scale wind energy development. They passed an energy bill that did not include a statewide renewable portfolio standard. An RPS would require that up to 25% of the electricity generated in Michigan come from renewable resources by 2025. It would make Michigan an ideal location for wind developers and turbine manufacturers, because they would have a guaranteed market for their products.
By not passing an RPS, legislators waved off the chance to tell investors that Michigan is a great place to locate turbine manufacturing plants. They passed up cleaner air and reduced dependence on volatile natural gas prices. They let us down.
The Republicans contend that they are taking decisive action and tout their so-called Green Michigan Initiative as proof. Their proposal requires that the state Department of Management and Budget purchase 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, pointed out that "state government is one of the largest consumers of electrical energy in Michigan" and that if government leads by example, others surely will follow.
What Richardville and his colleagues should realize is that government's lone demand for renewable energy will not bring clean energy investors to Michigan. Economic transformation requires bold action. The only thing that will kick-start large-scale development of renewable energy here is a clear signal from the state that we are serious about capitalizing on our resources.
Renewable energy is Michigan energy. The systems can be manufactured here, installed here, and produce pollution-free energy here. Why are we letting it go to waste?
