With the Michigan House set to take up broad energy legislation as early as this week, advanced energy businesses from across the state were in Lansing last week to make their case as to why improvements are still needed to maintain and grow the cost-effective energy investments we’ve seen over recent years.
Last month, the House Energy Policy Committee moved legislation (HB 4297 and 4298) that would change the energy choice market, the Renewable Portfolio Standard and the Energy Optimization Standard.
Members of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, together with partners Advanced Energy Economy and Wind on the Wires, were on-hand Tuesday to urge House members to improve the package by incorporating a renewable standard, enabling market access for advanced energy firms, and ensuring that the additional amendments to energy efficiency measures are adopted when the legislation comes to the House floor.
The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council was represented by APEX Clean Energy, Chart House Energy, EDF Renewables, Four Elements Energy, Inc., Michigan Biomass, Opower, Solar Winds Power Systems, and Ventower Industries. Business members had constructive meetings from members from both sides of the aisle, including meetings with Representatives Chris Afendoulis (R-Grand Rapids Township), Brian Banks (D-Detroit), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Ben Glardon (R-Owosso), Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo), Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo), Larry Inman (R-Traverse City), Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), Andrea LaFontaine (R-Columbus Township), Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes), Kristy Pagan (D-Canton), Earl Poleski (R-Jackson), Bruce Rendon (R-Lake City), Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville) and Robert Wittenberg (D-Oak Park). Member businesses also had a chance to meet with Democratic Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills), Democratic Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and House Energy Policy Committee Minority Vice-Chair Bill LaVoy (D-Monroe).
There are still opportunities to improve this legislation, and we encourage you to contact your Representatives and make your voice heard.
Source; MIEIBC