LANSING – State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) today voted for a bipartisan energy plan that will create thousands of jobs for Michigan's workers now and bring massive investment to Michigan by requiring that a certain amount of Michigan's energy come from renewable sources such as wind, solar or biomass.
"This plan will put Michigan at the forefront of the renewable energy industry and bring more good-paying jobs to our state," Corriveau said. "It gives companies that specialize in renewable energy – one of the fastest-growing industries – the green light to set up shop in Michigan, creating 'green-collar jobs' for our residents and helping to move Michigan forward."
The bipartisan House energy plan was crafted during months of discussions with consumers, industry experts, utilities and other energy providers, members of the business community, and other groups statewide. The plan, which now goes to the Senate, will:
Add Michigan to the more than two dozen states with a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which will attract thousands of "green-collar" jobs. Michigan's RPS will require that 10 percent of our electricity come from clean, renewable sources – such as wind, solar or biomass – by 2015. Providing a reliable market for investors is key to bringing home the economic benefits of the globally expanding renewable energy industry.
Require utilities to provide energy efficiency programs for customers. Increasing energy efficiency is the best way to help keep electricity affordable for everyone, and will create thousands of jobs for workers employed at businesses that sell and install energy efficiency products or run energy efficiency programs.
Corriveau voted against a third part of the plan that would increase energy costs for consumers.
"During these tough times, I could not justify raising energy costs for our residents," Corriveau said. "Any plan that I approve would need more protections for Michigan consumers and families than this plan had."