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Republican Energy Bill Draws Criticism From Environmental and Free Market Groups

WMUK

(MPRN-Lansing) One of the top Republicans in the state House has introduced bills that would make sweeping changes to Michigan’s energy policies. House Majority Floor Leader AricNesbitt (R-Lawton), who is chairman of the House Energy Policy Committee, introduced the legislation a week before Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to unveil his own plans on the issue. 

Nesbitt’s proposal would retain Michigan’s 10% renewable energy standard, meaning utilities will not be required to increase the amount of power they produce using renewable sources.

“Let’s look at it through a wider approach, both on an energy efficiency side, a renewable side, and a mix of energy, instead of artificial goals that may or may not make sense for the best value for the rate payers in Michigan,”

he said. Democrats and environmental groups are calling for a higher renewable energy standard. They blasted Nesbitt’s proposal, saying it would promote dirtier sources of energy.

“It eliminates Michigan’s successful energy efficiency program, weakens Michigan’s clean renewable energy economy, and really opens the door to generation of dirty energy sources that pollute our air and drinking water to count towards renewable energy,”

said Jack Schmitt with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. Nesbitt contends new federal rules already force utilities to increase cleaner energy production.

A number of free market groups are also criticizing the legislation because it would no longer allow customers to buy electricity from outside of the state.

“Eliminating electric choice means abandoning free market principles and sticking Michiganders with hundreds of millions in higher rates on their electricity—while two giant monopoly utilities rake in the profits,”

said Michigan Freedom Fund President Greg McNeilly in a statement.

“Lawmakers in Lansing should stand up for the free market and the principles that got them elected by rejecting this handout to Big Energy and any effort to strip Michigan families of economic choices and competition.”

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