Clean energy groups say proposal would roll back economic, environmental, health benefits
LANSING – A diverse coalition of clean energy advocacy organizations is slamming a proposal from state Rep. Karl Bohnak, R-Deerton, to maintain the status quo for natural gas-fueled generators. The bill would prevent the Upper Peninsula from experiencing the full economic, environmental and health benefits of a transition to clean energy as required in the state’s 2023 Clean Energy & Jobs Act.
HB 4007 would keep 13 Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) generators operating without eliminating or significantly reducing emissions as required in the state’s clean energy laws.
“Rep. Karl Bohnak doesn’t care that the U.P. is sounding the alarm as its winter tourist industry suffers from the effects of climate change with less snow and ice,” said Dr. Denise Keele, executive director at Michigan Climate Action Network. “He’s out to protect dirty fossil fuel companies instead of working to protect the U.P.’s beautiful natural resources. We have a basic responsibility to leave a better world for future generations and protect their livelihoods, and that’s possible by increasing our use of clean energy through solar and wind.”
It’s premature to assume the U.P. cannot meet our state’s clean energy goals by the targets laid out in the law more than a decade away, according to the coalition. Advances in technology and renewable energy are rapidly reducing costs and creating new opportunities for good-paying jobs.
“Michiganders face the highest electricity rates and the poorest utility services in the Midwest — with many in the U.P. experiencing the highest rates in the state,” said Nick Occhipinti, state government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Transitioning to 60% clean energy by 2035 is essential for reducing utility bills, local pollution and mitigating climate disruption on this beautiful peninsula.”
“The U.P. deserves equal opportunities to benefit from the shift to clean energy,” said Charles Griffith, climate and energy director at the Ecology Center. “Generating clean energy will create new, good-paying jobs and reduce pollution — protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink. We cannot afford to delay implementing the clean energy standard rate in the U.P., and Rep. Bohnak’s legislation would obstruct our progress.”
Other organizations that oppose Bohnak’s legislation include:
- NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council)
- Sierra Club
- Vote Solar
###