LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today praised the strong bipartisan support being shown for an energy package that will create jobs and help spur the economy by rewarding energy companies using Michigan-made products. Ebli voted for the legislation as a member of the House Energy and Technology Committee. The plan, which will turn Michigan into a powerhouse of renewable energy production, passed out of the committee this week and now heads to the House for a full vote.
"Michigan workers are second to none, and this plan recognizes that by rewarding companies that invest in our state," Ebli said. "Our state is already in an ideal position to attract emerging industries, and this plan will secure our position as a leader in the rapidly growing field of renewable energy production."
Key to the package is the creation of a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which builds a strong market that attracts firms in this rapidly growing industry. Without a guaranteed demand for renewable energy production, key players in this multibillion dollar industry will continue to take their business to other states. States that set this standard are seeing remarkable job growth.
The plan also creates a system of renewable energy credits, overseen by the Michigan Public Service Commission, to help providers comply with the new standard. These credits would provide additional incentives for companies that rely on systems constructed by Michigan workers and use equipment made in Michigan.
The plan:
- Stipulates that 10 percent of annual electricity sales come from renewable energy sources – such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass-based power – by 2015.
- Offers flexibility in meeting the RPS by allowing providers to generate renewable energy credits from their own energy systems, contract with an entity that produces renewable energy, or purchase renewable energy credits.
"My top priority as a State Representative is to promote initiatives that create good-paying jobs for our workers in Monroe County and throughout the state," Ebli said. "This plan, which was created through a deeply collaborative process with stakeholders around the state, moves Michigan forward."
The plan is part of House Democrats' aggressive plan to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, fight global warming, and help protect our Great Lakes and Michigan's other natural resources.