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Environmentalists: Don't Repeal Michigan Renewable Energy Standard

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Environmentalists blast bill to repeal Michigan's renewable energy standard

New legislation that would repeal Michigan's renewable energy standard has been met with heavy opposition from environmentalists, and even some utilities.

In 2008, state lawmakers said electric utilities must generate at least ten percent of their energy using renewable sources by 2015. Recent studies show they are on track to meet that requirement.
    
Rep. Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills, introduced a billlast week that would repeal that part of Michigan's energy law.

"Obviously, if it was not more costly, we wouldn't have to mandate it," said McMillin.

"I know there's some environmental wackos out there who want to scare us and let us think that we don't have energy available, but we do. So I think that this is the right thing to do."

Consumers Energy released a statement on Thursday, saying it opposes McMillin's bill.

"Consumers Energy is preparing to open its second wind farm, Cross Winds Energy Park, this fall and expects to reach the 10 percent renewable portfolio standard," said spokesperson Brian Wheeler.

"The legislation introduced in the House by Rep. Tom McMillan would create great uncertainty about the future of renewable energy in the state, and we would not be supportive of such legislation."

James Clift with the Michigan Environmental Council says most Michiganders support the state's renewable energy standard.

"I think they've seen the benefits of the law that we passed in 2008 in terms of economic development opportunities, improved public health, nice, stable, low rates for energy moving forward," he said.

"I think our current law has been a big success, and I think more people are interested in seeing it expanded, not repealed."

State energy officials say Michigan is well positioned to increase renewable energy production. They say the stateis capable of producing up to 30% of its energy using renewables by 2035.