As I was looking over the schedule of amazing workshops and presentations at the Good Jobs, Green Jobs conference which is starting tomorrow, I got some of the best Green Jobs news I’ve heard in a while from an unlikely place: Michigan’s State of the State address. In an speech everyone expected to focus the downturn of the auto industry and jobs (Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the country), Gov. Granholm came out with a bold plan to radically restructure the way power companies do business so that they make money by encouraging energy efficiency and decentralized energy production. Gov. Granholm is saying it’s about time the power companies worked for energy conservation, rather than against it:
- Put utility companies in the energy efficiency business by changing how rates are set in the Public Service Commission. Today, these companies make money selling us electricity and natural gas. The more you use, the more money they make. Tomorrow, they’ll make money by helping us use less of both. Unlike the coal we buy from Wyoming and Montana, money we spend on energy efficiency will produce tens of thousands of jobs in Michigan.
- Make Michigan the first state in the nation to let every homeowner, every business, become a renewable energy entrepreneur who can make money by installing solar panels or wind systems on their home or business and selling that renewable energy back to the power company.
If every state did this, the private sector would do a lot of the work we’ve been calling for Not a bad idea to start with, but she goes further, saying “By the year 2020, Michigan will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels for generating electricity by 45 percent,” AND promises:
To evaluate . . . both the need for additional electricity generation and all feasible and prudent alternatives before approving new coal-fired power plants.
This effectively kills Michigan’s six active coal plant proposals for the next year, if not for good.
It’s not quite the commitment of 80% reduction in all emissions by 2050 that we’ve been calling for, but along with the utility restructuring plan, good things are on their way to the state shaped like a mitten. I’ve been watching Michigan politics since a friend convinced me head there and work on a state race last October, and today am I glad I did! My candidate, State Rep. Jennifer Haase, had me talking on the campaign trail about the jobs that could be created in Michigan constructing wind turbines and weatherizing homes. Now Haase and her colleagues in the Michigan legislature have the chance to follow through on their campaign promises and create a clean energy economy out of a failing auto industry.
Normally I’d end my post here — that was a lot of good news for one day, from one state executive. Granholm’s speech was so full of green goodies, that I can’t stop quoting her! Here are the details of her Green Jobs proposal:
- Create the Michigan Energy Corps to put thousands of unemployed Michigan citizens back to work this year, weatherizing 100,000 homes, schools and other public buildings, installing renewable energy technology, and turning our abundant natural resources into renewable fuels.
- Launch Michigan Saves, which will allow Michigan families and businesses to weatherize their homes and install Michigan-made energy efficiency technology with zero upfront charges. The monthly savings will pay the cost of the improvements.
She ends by saying the “New energy sector represents our single best hope for new investment and new jobs.” I hope that Michigan is read to follow, because this Governor is ready to lead.
Yeah…let’s listen to the governor of a state that’s in recession for some sound economic plans. When Granholm gives economic advice, listen to it, then do exactly the opposite.
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* Put utility companies in the energy efficiency business by changing how rates are set in the Public Service Commission. Today, these companies make money selling us electricity and natural gas. The more you use, the more money they make. Tomorrow, they’ll make money by helping us use less of both. Unlike the coal we buy from Wyoming and Montana, money we spend on energy efficiency will produce tens of thousands of jobs in Michigan.
* Make Michigan the first state in the nation to let every homeowner, every business, become a renewable energy entrepreneur who can make money by installing solar panels or wind systems on their home or business and selling that renewable energy back to the power company.
I’m confused…1 sounds like decoupling and 2 sounds like net metering, two things that many states have done. Can you explain how Michigan’s policies differ from these?
Good news about the coal plants, though!
This is an interesting idea, but I feel the way forward is to force your coal producers to have a carbon emissions target. They should commit $6M per year to a fund. That fund could then be used by scheme administration companies to develop a network of insulation installers. This is a much better idea than decoupling, net metering etc as it makes the polluter pay. It also allows the admin firms to provide discount cost insulation, rather than rebates – which mean people have to pay full costs up front – something people just won’t do as its too expensive.
The WAP and LIHEAP schemes are also very demeaning. A much fairer system would be to rate them not on earning but on receipt of welfare.
don’t count your chickens before they hatch!!! Those 6 plants could still be built
Connecticut has a lot of good legislation about energy efficiency and our public service commission ( Called the Dept of Public Utility Control here) is looking at “decoupling” so companies can make the same amount of $ but sell less energy.
but the bill we passed like 2 years ago to require efficiency measures to be exhausted before new generation is brought online has not been followed.
please keep on top of this! without your attention the best policy will not be enacted.
Peace love and tree hugs,
K
I’m a license builder (since 1985). In that time I have never been sued for nonperformance, nor had there ever been a complaint filed against me in Lansing. This year, after 25 years the state has refused to renew my license because MY CREDIT RATING HAS DROPPED AND I HAVE A TOTAL OF $6000.00 in bad debt. I’ve had NO WORK since the fall of 2007 and now Jenny has made sure I’ll never work again. This is the same state who’s own credit rating has suffered and has been on the verge of insolvency. There are no great ideas for jobs from this administration, they’re totally ignorant on what’s going on outside of their little citadel, this includes this alternative energy policy. Even though I’m and enviromentalist; who is going to drop (who has the money??) a minimum of $20000 and up on solar cells (in our northern climate) or $100000 on a windturbine. These people are just ******.