The Michigan Conservative Energy Forum spoke to the University’s chapter of College Republicans on Thursday about energy policy and its relationship with bipartisanship.
The event, held in the Michigan Union, focused on the activities of the MCEF, which was formed in 2013 in response to the impending expiration of a number of energy bills
Read MoreGovernor Snyder and the Michigan Legislature are currently debating the state’s future energy policy. How electricity is generated, transmitted and distributed is important to every mid-Michigan resident – because one thing we all have in common, is that we all use energy.
Recognizing the importance of this debate, I released a white paper for the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum entitled Improving Michigan’s Electric Utility Industry. Groups on all sides of the current energy policy debate have been able to use some of the ideas in the paper and I would like to clarify them. Considering that the state is likely to continue operating in a regulated market for the immediate future, our elected officials need to at least establish incentives for electric utilities that will improve efficiency in the market and keep costs down.
Read MoreWind on the Wires’ Executive Director Beth Soholt moderated a roundtable discussion on October 8 that highlighted the new report “A wind vision for new growth in Michigan” at Macomb Community College, where students are learning skills that will help them obtain good-paying jobs in the renewable energy industry across the region.
Read MoreGreen Tea Party has a certain ring to it, but Michigan Conservative Energy Forum Executive Director Larry Ward said it was sort of a misnomer for what's going on in Michigan.
Ward's group advocates for renewable energy based on jobs and economic grounds. It's definitely not the global warming perspective green groups come from, but on issues like renewable energy or the net metering package, they end up aligning.
Read MoreBrion Dickens, Oliver Township planning commission chair, joined a panel with Larry Ward, director of Michigan Conservative Energy Forum; Scott Viciana, vice president of Ventower, a Monroe-based wind turbine fabricator and supplier; and Ken Weller, operations manager at EDF Renewables.
Read MoreMichigan's regulated electric utility market can be significantly improved. An open market should be the goal, but it will require overcoming significant political and economic hurdles. In the meantime, lawmakers should enact legislation that creates incentives for utilities, consumers and entrepreneurs aligned with goals to use less energy, lower costs and transitions the state toward generation from cleaner sources and more efficient sources, including renewables.
Read MoreA retired vice admiral in the U.S. Navy — who is now an adviser on a board that studies pressing issues to the country’s national security — says Michigan is a leading example of how energy independence will be crucial for adapting to the threats of climate change.
Read MoreLansing – Leadership Council members of the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum (MCEF) all had the following supportive statements to make about Governor Snyder’s Clean Power Plan announcement:
Read MoreThe Environmental Protection Agency is expected soon to issue its final Clean Power Plan rules for existing power plants. The goal is to slash carbon pollution by 30 percent or more nationwide by 2030.
As part of this effort, each state is being given a year to design a compliance plan best suited to its situation. States may use a combination of renewable power, energy efficiency, increased efficiency at existing coal plants and natural gas development. Under the draft rules, Michigan is expected to reduce its emissions by 31 percent in the next 15 years.
The good news for Michigan is that we have a burgeoning solar industry that is ready to help our state meet the requirements. In recent years, Michigan's renewable sector has already seen tremendous growth, with more than an estimated 82,600 jobs in renewable power industries, energy efficiency and other conservation services. Our state's renewable energy sector is also delivering significant economic benefits, attracting $2.2 billion in new investment.
Read MoreLANSING– Members of the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum (MCEF) today called on State Senator Mike Nofs, chair of the Senate Energy and Technology Committee, to take bolder action in advancing Michigan’s clean energy future, saying ratepayers deserve accountability from their utility companies.
Read MoreIn March, Gov. Rick Snyder announced his support for a 10-year clean energy plan with 30 to 40 percent of Michigan’s energy needs met through a combination of new renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts. We support expansion of clean energy policies because it will help create new jobs, increase investments, and establish a resilient electric grid. Recent analysis commissioned by the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum finds that a new 20 percent RES proposal would generate an additional $6 billion in economic activity and create 40,000 jobs. Cutting energy waste has also generated billions of dollars in savings for Michigan’s energy users, while simultaneously making our state more economically competitive.
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