PRVS MICH GOV SAYS YES TO ENERGY/CLIMATE BILL

Make Michigan nation's clean energy powerhouse; State should push for carbon cap legislation
William G. Milliken, June 14, 2009 (Detroit Free Press)

"It wasn't that long ago that the American Midwest was the economic powerhouse of the world and Michigan was the engine of it. For more than a century, we led the way in all the most important industries: steel, automobiles and every type of manufacturing imaginable…To write a new chapter in that history, we must reject fear and turn with hope toward a clean energy future.

"Renewable energy has the potential to create even more jobs and more wealth than the Internet did. The Midwest, and Michigan in particular, could see huge benefits from clean energy industries. To accelerate these benefits, Congress must swiftly act to put a cap on carbon pollution."

Michigan is rife with businesses that will take advantage of an expansion the wind industry. (click to enlarge)

"A cap creates rewards for companies that invent new, better ways of doing business. It spurs investment in the most innovative businesses and builds support for renewable energy entrepreneurs. Michigan will see plenty of new opportunities to make money from clean energy -- from wave power in the Great Lakes to biofuels from our farms…[More importantly,] our established manufacturing companies have a chance for big profits…[I]t takes 250 tons of steel and 8,000 separate parts to make one wind turbine, and our state already has the infrastructure and the skilled workers to build what America needs.

"That's why the United Steelworkers support a carbon cap; they know it's a chance to bring jobs back to the Midwest. The Big Three automakers have joined the U.S. Climate Action Partnership to support a cap on carbon as well, and so have companies from John Deere to PepsiCo to Shell Oil. They all see the potential in a clean energy future. We need to seize this opportunity now."

The EPA says the costs are modest. (click to enlarge)

"Congress is debating the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, which includes a carbon cap. Opponents of the bill have been pandering to fear, attacking it for being too expensive. Some have thrown around unsupported claims that a carbon cap will cost consumers thousands of dollars a year. Actually, an analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency found that a carbon cap will cost as little as $98 per year per household, or roughly 12 cents per person per day.

"In exchange for that small investment, Michigan will get more jobs, cleaner air and less dependence on imported oil -- not to mention the chance to once again be the vital center of the world economy…Our congressional representatives should support a carbon pollution cap as they craft our new national energy policy."