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Mid-Michigan Initiatives on Climate Change
December 19, 2007 As the earth heats up and the polar ice melts, President Bush may be siting on his haunches, but all over the country other citizens -- politicians, states, localities, ordinary people -- are responding. There is civic movement on the issue of climate change. The Progressive Connection has been investigating what concrete actions on climate change are happening in our community. Here is what we found. Most of Michigan's electricity currently comes from polluting coal-burning power plants, and the purchase of out-of-state coal drains billions from the Michigan economy. In January, 2007 Governor Granholm brought out the Michigan 21st Century Energy Plan, which supports Michigan's energy independence and economic development by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, increasing energy efficiency and using more of the state's renewable energy resources. At the very same time the governor released her plan to promote green energy, Michigan's largest electric power companies have come out with proposals to build seven more coal burning power plants. They are making these proposals even as Michigan's demand for electricity has leveled off and even though other states have rejected construction of new coal-burning power plants (Kansas, Texas). New coal plants in Michigan are vigorously opposed by Clean Energy Now -- a coalition of eight Michigan environmental groups -- under the rallying cry "no coal rush." The coalition argues that wind energy, a leading renewable resource in Michigan, is both clean and cheaper than coal in the present market. Meanwhile, in the Michigan legislature the House Energy and Technology Committee is about to report out a package of energy bills that will go a long way to determine Michigan's energy future. Environmental groups and utilities are furiously lobbying over these bills. At issue are how much effort Michigan will put into improving energy efficiency, how much renewable energy will be tapped, and what kind of planning will be required before companies can get approval to build new coal-fired generating plants. Citizens who want to help tip the balance in favor of a "greener" package of bills can contact Jan O'Connell at jan.oconnell@sierraclub.org, or 616-956-6646, or Gayle Miller at gayle.miller@sierraclub.org. More. |
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Global Warming: Local Action
What are people in the Lansing area doing to address global warming?
Capital Area Local First supports the multiple benefits of locally-owned independent businesses. Lansing Area Localvores encourages area residents to eat locally grown and raised foods. New coal plants in Michigan are vigorously opposed by Clean Energy Now -- a coalition of eight Michigan environmental groups -- under the rallying cry "no coal rush." |
Climate Change:
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The "Day After Tomorrow" |
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