Michigan Governor Pushes for 45% Reductions by 2020

During her State of the State address last Tuesday, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm ordered to delay state permits for five proposed coal-plants as part of her plan to reduce emissions 45% by 2020. Granholm's directive states that the governor has the right to protect the public health, and that coal-powered plants each year spew tons of noxious gases that pose a public hazard. Granholm ordered the state's Department of Environmental Quality to determine the necessity of each coal plant and explore alternatives could meet the state's needs, such as wind farms or energy efficiency. State House Republicans have asked the state Attorney General to rule on whether the governor has the legal authority to impose new criteria when reviewing coal-powered plants. Read more at Detroit Free Press