The Michigan Legislature has hit a home run on multiple fronts today with what is being characterized as a "secure energy future" for the Great Lakes State. Comprehensive energy reform action on both sides of the aisle has drawn the applause of several interested groups and members of the legislature itself.
Today's plan requires state utilities to use more renewable power while deregulating certain markets and allowing for "electricity choice." C
State Representative Aric Nesbitt of Lawton is Chair of the House Committee on Energy Policy. He also serves as House Majority Leader, and he voiced great pride after the Legislature approved an important new long-term energy plan for Michigan. Nesbitt says he's very proud that they were able to approve "a responsible plan to provide Michigan families and businesses with affordable and reliable energy for years to come." He notes, "With the projected closure of several power plants, stringent federal regulations and projected capacity shortfalls in the near future, this plan ensures the lights will stay on in homes and factories, schools and grocery stores across Michigan."
Nesbitt, who played a key role in the passage of the plan adds, "Failure to act now would have had a crippling effect on our state's ability to provide reliable and affordable energy to residents and business." Nesbitt also thanked his colleagues and Governor Rick Snyder for all their hard work on the issue over the past two years, adding, "This legislation is a critical component of Michigan's continued comeback and sets us down a path of increased electric reliability for generations to come."
Senator John Proos is Vice Chair of the Senate Energy & Technology Committee. He says, "With this reform, all consumers in Michigan will have the assurance that the lights will turn on and that we will use a mix of the best and most affordable fuels." He adds, "Customers now will also be able to utilize technology, such as an iPod or iPhone, to control their thermostats, washers and dryers when energy is the cheapest through voluntary demand response programs. Not only will this package secure Michigan's energy reliability, but give customers control of their energy bills."
Today's legislation has been in the works for more than two years and updates key provisions of the state's current energy laws. Senator Mike Nofs says, "This legislation is not about what's best for a few companies, organizations, or individuals. It's about what's best for the entire state of Michigan." He notes that the plan puts Michigan consumers first and will empower the state to determine which fuels are the most cost-effective to meet current and future energy needs and goals.
Meanwhile, Citizens for Michigan's Energy Future issued a statement saying, “Michigan has a secure energy future thanks to today’s strong passage of comprehensive energy policy that ensures affordable, reliable and clean energy for Michigan families, communities and businesses."
The group saluted lawmakers from both chambers and both sides of the aisle, singling out Nesbitt, Kevin Cotter, Rob VerHeulen, Chris Afendoulis, Bill LaVoy, Tim Greimal and Sam Singh from the House as well as Senators John Proos, Mike Nofs, Arlan Meekhof, Jim Ananich and David Knezek as well as the Governor and his administration "for their steadfast leadership on this critical, Michigan-first energy legislation our state needs to control our energy future now and in the years to come. CMEF also commends all of the lawmakers who voted in the best interests of their districts and constituents. This was bipartisanship in action."
CMEF's statement continue, “Through hard work and compromise, Michigan now has responsible, forward-looking energy policy that sustains electric choice, ensures energy reliability and affordability, and advances clean energy. Michiganders and job providers will have the energy they need to power their homes and lives, and grow our economy.”
They also called for quick concurrence from the Michigan Senate and the package being signed into law by Gov. Snyder.
Elsewhere, Michigan Freedom Fund President Terri Reid praised the Legislature "For standing up for free-market principles and stripping language from Senate Bill 437 designed to kill electric choice and raise electric rates by billions."
Reid said in a prepared statement, "Thanks to the efforts of lawmakers like Senator Mike Shirkey and Representative Gary Glenn, ratepayer advocates, and grassroots activists across the state, the language approved today eliminates every anti-choice 'poison pill' originally found in Senate Bill 437." Reid adds, "By forcing these changes, House members put the needs of local schools, job makers, and their constituents above the profit sheets of two massive electric utilities. They stood up against millions in advertising and an army of lobbyists and they put ratepayers first."
The Michigan League of Conservation Voters applauded the passage of the energy plan, too, as Jack Schmitt, the group's Deputy Director said, "This legislation will strengthen our state's commitment to clean, renewable energy." He added, "We applaud lawmakers in both parties for working together on a bipartisan compromise that ensures clean air and water, promotes economic investment and moves Michigan toward cheap, reliable energy sources."
Yet another positive response was dispatched by the MI Air MI Health Coalition, which issued a statement of praise saying, "We applaud the Michigan Legislature for protecting the health of Michigan families, children and seniors by increasing our use of clean, renewable energy." That message, from Coalition Coordinator Kindra Weid, RN concluded, "This legislation will reduce dangerous pollution in our air and water and ultimately save lives."
