CHICAGO (Nov. 4, 2013) – The office of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder released a report today that found the state’s current renewable energy standard is working for Michigan and can affordably increase its reliance on renewable energy sources – a finding the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) concludes was based on solid analysis and should pave the way for expanding Michigan’s renewable energy standard beyond 2015.
Below is a statement by Steve Frenkel, director of the UCS’ Midwest office:
“The governor and his staff conducted a robust, transparent, and collaborative analysis to get answers to some of the most pressing questions about Michigan’s energy future. I’m pleased to see the report took an evidence-based, data-driven approach.
“I’m not surprised the state found that it can increase its reliance on renewable energy to 30 percent by 2035 or more while maintaining reliable, cost-effective service. Now it is incumbent on Governor Snyder and the legislature to expand the standard before it levels out in 2015.
“Michiganders have already benefited from the current standards. It has attracted significant investment to the state and driven job growth in clean energy industries. Meanwhile, renewable energy costs are far lower than originally anticipated and these technologies are performing better than expected.
“Now that we know utilities can ramp up their use of clean energy, the legislature should have no hesitancy about increasing the standard before it levels off. To not do so puts Michigan securing its place in the growing green energy economy at risk.”