In Michigan, the state's House and Senate energy committees have deprioritized renewable energies, like wind and solar. Instead of mandating that utility companies start providing such clean energy, they are encouraging the companies to do it on a volunteer basis.
For once, though, it's not down to the the guys at the utility companies. Turns out, it's the politicians themselves dragging their feet. Steve Kurmas, a vice chairman of DTE Energy, said the company has no problem with a renewable mandate. In fact, DTE will move ahead with renewables whether or not there is a formal requirement. It would be lovely if all Michigan's utility companies were similarly progressive, but it's a little too much to hope for. Law makers need to recommit to renewables. Please join me in asking the Michigan state legislature to reinstate mandatory renewable energy mandates and require at least 40 percent of energy generated to come from wind and solar by 2020.
Dear Michigan State Legislators:
It's a sad day when politicians are doing less to save the earth than the utility companies. I recently learned, however, that you have opted to take a step backward on renewable energy. Instead of mandating the purchase and provision of clean energy, you are making it a volunteer endeavor. In the past, few companies have chosen to do a difficult thing that benefits everyone on a volunteer basis, unless there was some profit in it. DTE Energy is, of course, to be praised for its forward thinking determination to move ahead with renewables, even without a mandate. But we can hardly trust every big business to be so progressive. It is your duty to save the state from the worst ravages of climate change. Please reinstate mandatory renewable energy mandates and require at least 40 percent of energy generated to come from wind and solar by 2020.
