The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is urging state lawmakers not to support a costly and irresponsible energy mandate being advocated by Environment Michigan that would force the use of 25 percent renewable energy.

"While a 'renewable portfolio standard' might sound good in concept, in reality such a plan would lead to a significant increase in the cost of electricity for homeowners and job providers," said Doug Roberts, Jr., Director of Environmental & Energy Policy for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

"An arbitrary 25 percent mandate is unworkable," Roberts added. "If we want to be in a position to grow our economy and create new jobs, Michigan must have reliable and affordable electric power.

"The Michigan Public Service Commission estimates that by 2017 the upper limits of renewable energy will be seven percent," Roberts continued. "If experts at the PSC agree that seven percent is the upper limit, mandating the use of 25 percent renewable energy could create energy shortages, potentially damaging our economy."

"We should be working to lower electricity prices in Michigan, not increase them," said Rich Studley, Executive Vice President of the Michigan Chamber. "Further increasing energy costs is not the way to make Michigan more economically competitive.

"Many of the advocates for energy mandates stand to benefit directly because renewable energy is not economically competitive," Studley continued. "These special interest groups know the only way to get their costly product into the marketplace is to have government force people to buy it regardless of price."

"The Michigan Chamber supports reasonable efforts to help promote renewable energy here in Michigan by removing regulatory barriers and providing tax incentives. However, we strongly oppose Environment Michigan's irresponsible and costly plan," Roberts concluded.

The Michigan Chamber is a statewide business organization which represents more than 7,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

CONTACT: Doug Roberts, Jr. of Michigan Chamber of Commerce,
+1-517-371-2100

Web site: http://www.michamber.com/