Michigan Businesses Renew Call to Increase Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency Standards

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LANSING – As the Michigan Senate considers bills that would overhaul Michigan’s energy policy, major businesses sent letters calling on Senator Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek) and legislators to reduce electricity costs and create jobs by expanding clean, renewable energy.

The businesses calling for more clean, renewable energy include: Ben & Jerry’s, Brewery Vivant, Crystal Mountain, Eileen Fisher, General Mills, JLL, Nestlé, Rockford Brewing Company, Staples and Worthen Industries.

Click here to read the letter.

“As businesses with a significant presence in Michigan, we are writing today to express our support for a 15 percent renewable energy standard by 2021,” the leaders wrote in the letter. “Increasing Michigan’s renewable energy standard by at least 5 percent will provide policy certainty for companies and investors seeking access to clean energy and will better prepare the state to compete in today’s global economy.”

“While Michigan’s clean energy goals represent a good start, setting a new standard would help the state continue to capture additional economic benefits and send a clear signal to companies that Michigan is open for business,” the letter said.

“Businesses are looking to Michigan lawmakers to implement policies that put more clean energy on the grid,” said Alli Gold Roberts with Ceres, an advocacy organization working to build a more sustainable global economy. “Increasing Michigan’s renewable energy standard will result in even more investment in the state and provide additional savings for ratepayers and businesses.”

Michigan’s current renewable energy standard has resulted in $3 billion in renewable energy investment in the state, which will save customers nearly $1 billion in future energy costs.

The coalition of 10 businesses also called on lawmakers to retain language from the existing renewable energy standard, including requirements that ensure renewable energy is generated in Michigan and that independent power producers generate a portion of clean energy in the state.

Members of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC) also expressed support for stronger renewable energy and energy efficiency standards in a letter from 20 clean energy businesses.

“Michigan’s renewable energy standard is a huge success. Let’s continue the “open for business” policy in Michigan by increasing the standard and expanding this important sector of our economy,” said Michigan EIBC President Liesl Clark. “A growing number of businesses and investors are demanding a clean, renewable grid, and we need to send a message that Michigan is the place for them.”