Michigan Energy Report Focuses on Renewables and Energy Efficiency

Public Service Commission Recommendations Follow NRDC Report Closely and Point Away from New Coal Plants

CHICAGO (August 11, 2009) – The Michigan Public Service Commission has released recommendations to the Department of Environmental Quality on the state’s energy infrastructure needs which closely mirror an analysis released last month by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). A Green Energy Alternative for Michigan analyzed the state’s projected electricity demand and showed that the state’s energy needs could be handled by a strong embrace of renewable energy and energy efficiency, rather than investment in costly and polluting coal plants.

“The PSC agreed that there are other alternatives to powering Michigan in the decades to come,” said NRDC staff attorney Shannon Fisk. “We pointed out that in the rush to build unnecessary coal plants, utilities had dismissed a number of technologies that would be a better fit for Michigan. The state agreed. This is the first step in the process of developing a much smarter energy future for Michigan -- one that will reduce demand, focus on clean energy, and help to create jobs as the state economy recovers.”

A Green Energy Alternative for Michigan was commissioned by NRDC and is available online at http://docs.nrdc.org/energy/ene_09081101.asp

NRDC experts are available for comment on the recommendations.