MUSKEGON – In a move to inform residents about the House-proposed renewable energy standard and other ways to become more energy efficient, State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) hosted a town hall meeting Monday evening in Muskegon.
"Improving our energy standards ensures the future availability of safe, reliable and affordable electricity for Michigan businesses and consumers," Valentine said. "We must also encourage energy conservation, and the use of renewable and alternative energy sources. I organized this town hall to help our residents learn about how we can work together to make Michigan more energy efficient."
Joining Valentine at the town hall was State Representative Frank Accavitti Jr. (D- Eastpointe), chair of the House Energy and Technology Committee. Valentine and Accavitti provided information about the energy crunch currently facing Michigan and how the House energy package will create jobs and promote energy efficiency throughout the state.
The bipartisan energy package that passed the House in April calls for the creation of an Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS)- which will require that 10 percent of our electricity come from clean, renewable sources – such as wind, solar or hydrogen – by 2015. The package also requires utility companies to provide energy efficiency programs for customers and will streamline red tape to clear the way for construction of power plants that Michigan needs to meet rising demand for electricity.
"These forward-thinking energy reforms will bring massive investment to Michigan communities and will create good-paying jobs for our workers now and for years to come," Valentine said. "The three components of this package provide exactly what we need to jumpstart Michigan's economic recovery."