Energy policy debate is missing the point, advocates say

By CAITLIN McARTHUR
Capital News Service
LANSING — Debate over Michigan’s future energy policy continues with proposals aimed at cheap, reliable energy. But environmental advocates say legislators are missing the bigger picture. Climate change has yet to be discussed at any great length, said Mike Berkowitz, the legislative and policy director for the Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter. Some of the proposed policies are “a true climate disaster” in light of 97 percent of climate scientists agreeing that change is happening and people are driving it through the carbon emissions created largely by burning fossil fuels. Climate change has major implications for public health, Berkowitz said.