Renewable energy is good for our wallets as well as the environment

In the January 24th edition of the Detroit Free Press, former DEQ Director Steven Chester laid out some very compelling reasons why Michigan should adopt an advanced strategy to reduce greenhouse gasses and mitigate the effects of global climate change. Chester highlights the fact that such a strategy has the potential to significantly revive Michigan’s suffering economy. In light of recent changes in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the automobile industry, now is the time to make an “extraordinary transition” to diversify our economy. Our existing manufacturing infrastructure makes Michigan the ideal location to create jobs and develop technology in emerging markets, particularly the renewable energy production market

Chester’s editorial makes note of an important fact: every year, about $20 billion leaves the state of Michigan in the form of energy purchases. This happens in large part because 60 % of the electricity we use in Michigan comes from coal-powered plants, and we import from other states 100% of the coal we burn. If we could replace this coal-powered energy with homegrown, renewable energy, we could significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and keep billions of dollars in the state of Michigan.  To read the complete editorial, click below.

>Detroit Free Press_Smarter energy good for state's bottom line.pdf