Published March 13, 2008

Andy Files: Switch to alternative

Use of coal draws money out of Michigan economy; wind power will bring money into the state

The Legislature is considering bills regarding the energy future in Michigan. Along with the benefits of producing clean energy, investment in wind energy would also provide an economic stimulus our state is in dire need of.

Federal regulations also are under consideration, such as the bipartisan America's Climate Security Act, that would cap greenhouse gas emissions and steer the country toward a clean energy future. Before deciding to stake our energy future in fossil fuels, we need to account for the inevitable costs associated with non-renewable energy.

Energy users in Michigan currently pay $18 billion per year for coal, oil and natural gas. Michigan imports 100 percent of the coal from other states and has no coal mines. By investing in new coal-fired power plants, we are making a long-term commitment to the economies of the states we buy coal from instead of our own state.

In addition to the costs of purchasing coal, impending carbon taxes and/or cap-and-trade systems will incur further costs on electricity generated from coal. While the costs of coal rise over the coming decades, renewable energy is poised to produce profits for those with the foresight to invest early.

Businesses coming in under their federally imposed carbon caps will be allowed to sell carbon credits to other businesses that were not able to meet their allowed carbon cap. By committing to coal, we are also committing to purchasing carbon credits from states like Minnesota and Iowa that already produce more than 1,000 megawatts of clean, renewable wind energy.

Not only do Iowa and Minnesota already have a head start in the clean energy market, they are also home to the expanding industries of production and research in wind energy technology. Given Michigan's prosperous manufacturing history and existing infrastructure, our state should be able to quickly become a major producer of wind energy technology, supplying a shot in the arm to our sluggish economy. Instead of buying coal from other states, Michigan should be selling renewable energy products to other states.

In addition to the financial benefits of renewable energy, investment in wind energy technology would also help protect Michigan's vast natural resources from degradation by pollution emitting power plants. Gov. Jennifer Granholm has outlined her vision for Michigan's clean energy future. The Legislature is now weighing its options. Take advantage of your right to contact your representatives and senators and let them know how you feel about the future of Michigan.

By investing in renewable energy, particularly wind energy in Michigan, we will not only be safeguarded against penalties imposed by carbon caps, but will also be producing new technology that we can export to other states for a profit. Michigan has the infrastructure, skilled labor force, and world class research institutions to produce and export wind energy equipment and technology. By hesitating and postponing the inevitable, we will be left out of an emerging industry that we are positioned to lead.

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