The Michigan State Legislature approved a comprehensive energy package today that Gov. Jennifer Granholm intends to sign into law.
The package includes a renewable portfolio standard calling for 10 percent of the state’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2015, reregulate the utility industry and boosts energy efficiency standards.
If signed into law, Michigan will become the 27th state with a binding renewable portfolio standard.
“This legislation will spark the investment in alternative energy we need to create jobs and diversify our economy,” Granholm said in a statement. “It will also ensure that the energy we need to heat our homes and power our businesses will be clean and affordable for generations to come.”
Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw, co-sponsored Senate Bill 213, which was a part of the package. He ultimately voted against it, though, because of the additional costs it will impose on ratepayers.
“People don’t have extra money right now,” he said. “This will lead to an increase in our energy costs and rates. The total estimated cost will be somewhere between $6 and $11 billion, add $3 per month surcharges and additional monies will be given to companies way ahead of them doing anything that represents improving efficiency.”
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