LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today threw his support behind a bipartisan energy plan that will create thousands of jobs for Michigan's workers now and bring massive investment to Michigan by requiring that a certain amount of Michigan's energy come from renewable sources such as wind, solar or biomass.
"This bipartisan plan meets our state's most urgent needs by creating good-paying jobs for our workers now," Dean said. "It also puts Michigan at the forefront of the renewable energy industry by creating 'green-collar' jobs. I urge the Senate to act quickly and put this plan in motion."
The bipartisan House energy plan was crafted during months of discussions with consumers, industry experts, utilities and other energy providers, members of the business community, and other groups statewide. The plan, which now goes to the Senate, will:
- Add Michigan to the more than two dozen states with a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which will attract thousands of "green-collar" jobs. Michigan's RPS will require that 10 percent of our electricity come from clean, renewable sources – such as wind, solar or biomass – by 2015. Providing a reliable market for investors is key to bringing home the economic benefits of the globally expanding renewable energy industry.
- Require utilities to provide energy efficiency programs for customers. Increasing energy efficiency is the best way to help keep electricity affordable for everyone, and will create thousands of jobs for workers employed at businesses that sell and install energy efficiency products or run energy efficiency programs.
Dean voted against a third part of the plan that would increase energy costs for consumers.
"As Michigan families try to do more with less, I could not vote to raise energy costs for our residents," Dean said. "In order to support the overall plan, there would have had to be more protections for Michigan consumers and families."