Michigan Rejects More Coal-fired Power Plants
Michigan may be seeing more wind turbines soon.
More bad news for coal: No new coal-fired power plants are going to be needed in Michigan for at least 13 years, according to a report by the Michigan Public Service Commission. The report said demand for electricity was down over the past two years and that even if the economy recovered, consumption would probably not rebound.
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Two utility companies had already submitted plans to build new coal-fired power plants.
“This report makes clear that our energy needs can be met with efficiency programs that save money for ratepayers and with clean energy options like wind, solar and biomass that provide manufacturing jobs for Michiganders and revenue for farmers throughout the state,” said Michigan Environmental Council President Chris Kolb.
The report therefore gives a sizeable boost to Michigan’s first renewable energy standard and a new energy efficiency program adopted by the state legislature and Gov. Jennifer Granholm last year. Those programs will have the opportunity to prove they meet the state’s energy needs, create in-state jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
-- Suzanne Bopp
