State Rep. Jon Hoadley discussed the future of Michigan's energy policy during a town hall event Thursday in Kalamazoo hosted by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. The event took place as Michigan is set to begin debate on a new energy plan.
Hoadley says the most important thing lawmakers need to consider are state standards on renewable energy. Right now, utilities need to purchase at least 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind. Hoadley wants to see that double by 2022.
"But we have to do it in a way that centers on clean energy jobs, clean energy security, and clean energy health," Hoadley says.
Those are the same standards supported by Michigan Democratic lawmakers. The GOP plan maintains the current standard. Hoadley says the new benchmarks are achievable, but they can't be optional.
"The funny thing is, when you talk to folks in the industry, we can hit these goals," Hoadley says. "That is not a problem. But the question is whether we're really going to have to gear up and set up to the plate to achieve them. And suggestions don't get us there. Mandates do."
Patty Birkholz is the West Michigan Director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and a former Republican state senator from Saugatuck. She hopes the town hall will bring out new ideas and proposals that lawmakers haven't considered yet.
"You know, the people of our state are pretty smart on their own," Birkholz says. "We can all learn from each other and hopefully come out with a better suggestion and probably a better product in the end."
The town hall event will take place April 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Douglass Community Center in Kalamazoo. It will feature Hoadley, Birkholz and Evan Meffert, the Global Services Manager at Bell's Brewery.
