Business & Economy

Clean energy can produce jobs, economic growth, study says

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By JASMINE WATTS
Capital News Service
LANSING — Thousands of Michigan jobs in the clean energy industry could be created in coming years, according to a recent report. The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council and Clean Energy Trust report that more than 87,000 Michigan residents already work in that industry. And Michigan leads 12 Midwestern states in clean energy transportation jobs, is second in renewable energy jobs and third in overall highest number of clean energy jobs, according to the study. “These findings are a good indication that, contrary to the sky-is-falling rhetoric we often hear from the fossil fuel industry, the transition from dirty fuels to clean sources of energy is an opportunity for economic growth,” said Andy McGlashen, communications director for the Michigan Environmental Council, a statewide coalition of environmental groups. It is critical that state lawmakers put policies in place to continue that growth, he said.

Environment

Rate hikes underway for municipal electric utilities

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By SAODAT ASANOVA-TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING – Municipal electric utilities plan gradual rate increases this winter, and some have already implemented them to comply with federal environmental regulations and to keep local jobs. For example, Marquette Board of Light and Power will increase electric rates by 3.5 percent for customers by 2014. It will be the second rate hike for the company in 25 years. The company serves 16,300 customers in the city of Marquette and nine townships in Marquette County. It is one of 41 municipally owned utilities in the state, including ones in Sturgis, Petoskey, Traverse City, Negaunee, Holland, Zeeland, Detroit, Lansing and Harbor Springs.

Environment

Debate reopens on renewable energy standards

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By PATRICK HOWARD
Capital News Service
LANSING – Proponents of the state’s alternative energy optimization standards are at odds with a suggestion to eliminate current standards. The proposal by Rep. Ray Franz, R-Onekama, would repeal standards that require 10 percent of energy generated by utility companies to be renewable by 2015. The standards, adopted in 2008, include guidelines to utility companies. According to Jim Weeks, executive director of the Michigan Municipal Electric Association in Lansing, Franz’ bill could address those guidelines which concern small companies. “There is a lot of administrative costs and burden placed on the staff of smaller utilities,” Weeks said.