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Michigan's Clean Energy Future 2007-10-09 Download the full report.

Executive Summary

Michigan stands at a critical energy crossroads in 2007. Traditional sources of energy continue to become more risky and expensive. Inevitable restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions promise to escalate energy costs for years to come.

However, there is reason for optimism in Michigan. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, industry, labor, the faith community, small business, and farmers are all realizing Michigan needs to invest in cleaner sources of power to compete in the 21st Century. The important question in 2007 is whether Michigan becomes an energy leader or whether we continue a “business-as-usual” fossil fuel based energy economy.

Michigan spends about $20 billion each year on imported fuels, virtually all of which are polluting and non-renewable (63 percent from coal, 23percent from nuclear, 10 percent from natural gas and only percent from renewable sources). Fuels for electric power plants make up a large portion of this price tag. This dependence on imported fossil fuels harms our public health, natural resources, and struggling economy.

Fortunately, there are home-grown, cleaner alternatives that can address these concerns and create thousands of new jobs.

Michigan needs to formally commit to and prioritize renewable energy and energy efficiency as a part of its electricity resource mix. The rules of the game need to change to make Michigan more globally competitive, protect public health and preserve our Great Lakes way of life.

Michigan must position itself for this new energy era and join over 25 other states that have formally embraced clean energy through statewide policies. To do this, Michigan will have to 1) Dramatically cut energy demand through efficiency, which provides energy at less than half the cost of energy from a new power plant; 2) Commit to making Michigan’s significant untapped renewable resources a part of the state’s electricity portfolio; and 3) Develop a statewide energy strategy that prioritizes energy efficiency and renewables and requires fair comparisons of clean energy costs with traditional energy costs through integrated resource planning.

An energy plan that embraces these strategies will help Michigan achieve greater energy independence, create thousands of new jobs, and enable healthier communities while addressing the critical issue of climate change.