The leaders believe identifying the appropriate mix of approaches to reduce carbon emissions in the power sector that meets the state target will also bolster new and emerging sectors of the efficiency and no- and low-carbon emitting energy economy.

The letter states:

While many generation sources will continue to supply Michigan’s power, markets and policy adoption have already started moving us towards resources that reduce the State’s carbon emissions. We believe increasing the use of no- and low-carbon energy and efficient use of our existing and future sources of power will be important pathways towards emission reductions, competitiveness and economic growth. To maximize the family-sustaining job creation associated with any increase in the use of renewable energy, we believe:

1. It is important to require the use of Michigan materials and Michigan labor in renewable power manufacturing, deployment, generation and maintenance when feasible;
2. The 2 percent cap on spending should be eliminated to further allow utilities to more deeply invest in energy efficiency in our state; and
3. The annual electric energy efficiency savings should be increased. We support creating a structure that incentivizes utilities to participate in demand side energy efficiency programs and “decouples” their revenues from energy usage alone.

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