# Michigan Governor Proposes Stronger Energy Initiatives - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/03/michigan-governor-proposes-stronger-energy-initiatives/ - Published: 2015-03-19T02:39:21-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Michigan Governor Going Further on Renewable Energy Could Secure More Than $9 Billion in Capital Investments CHICAGO (March 13, 2015)—Michigan Governor Rick Snyder today said he wants the state to use renewable energy and energy efficiency for as much as 40 percent of its power by 2025. This is a goal the Union of Concerned Scientist (UCS) says could be stronger. They believe it could secure more benefits for the state. “The governor is right to promote stronger renewable energy and energy efficiency goals for Michigan,” said Sam Gomberg, UCS’s lead Midwest energy analyst. “Boosting Michigan’s investment in wind, solar and [energy-saving technologies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/10-energy-saving-technologies-for-homes-you-should-consider/) is something the governor has been considering for several years. He has thoroughly evaluated it. The governor’s announcement is an important step forward in continuing Michigan’s transition to a clean energy economy. However, his proposal leaves value on the table and could go further — as other Midwestern states are doing. Doing so could realize the public health, environmental and [economic benefits greater clean energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/making-green-happen-through-economics-of-sustainability/) investments can deliver.” ### UCS Report on Michigan Renewable Electricity According to a [UCS analysis](https://web.archive.org/web/20180628025913/https://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/smart-energy-solutions/increase-renewables/renewable-energy-in-michigan.html), increasing Michigan’s renewable electricity standard to at least 30 percent by 2030 would drive more than $9 billion in new capital investments to the state. This would occur with virtually no increase in electricity costs. The state’s current standard requires Michigan to source 10 percent of its [electricity](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/improving-electric-vehicle-sales-may-require-solving-unique-chicken-and-egg-problem/) from renewables. It levels off this year. “Governor Snyder proposed just 19 percent of Michigan’s [energy mix coming from renewables](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/03/barbados-renewable-energy-stands-to-benefit/) by 2025. However, he could do more,” Gomberg said. “The governor commissioned a report from the Michigan Public Service Commission last year. It clearly stated Michigan could readily ramp up its use of renewables to 30 percent over the next two decades affordably and reliably.” ![A solar panel in the foreground with several wind turbines in the background under a bright blue sky and sun Michigan proposes renewable electricity](https://i0.wp. com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8224-1-400x300.png?resize= 400%2C300&ssl=1 "IMG_8224 - The Green Living Guy") ### Really has the most to Gain Michigan has the most to gain by diversifying its power supply with [renewables such as wind and solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/03/university-of-hawaii-maui-college-aims-to-be-first-campus-in-nation-with-100-percent-renewable-energy-generated-plus-energy-store-to-boot/) and boosting efficiency investments. According to [another UCS analysis](https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-energy/coal-and-other-fossil-fuels/natural-gas-gamble-risky-bet-on-clean-energy-future#.VQLlmI4c6gY) released earlier this week, these resources are key to avoiding an over-reliance on natural gas. This could create complex economic and environmental risks. These include price volatility, as well as water and air pollution. > “The Governor’s call for a transition away from the [state’s aging and uneconomic coal](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/coal-ashgroundwater-contamination-report-33-active-toxic-dumps-in-19-states-endangering-water/) > plants is an important move in the right direction,” Gomberg said. “Natural gas > can play a useful—but limited—role in Michigan’s transition to a clean energy > economy. The state is better off with a mix that puts more emphasis on wind, [solar and energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/tesla-solar-energy-power-installed-new-roof/) > conservation.” [The Union of Concerned Scientists](https://www.ucsusa.org/www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/MI-governor-further-on-renewables-0479#.VQo2G9LF-So) puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we [combine technical analysis and effective](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/05/lumisolair-combining-solar-and-wind-power-effectively/) advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. ![A solar panel in a field with multiple wind turbines in the background under a bright blue sky](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ IMG_8224-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "IMG_8224 - The Green Living Guy") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)