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I'm State Representative Mary Valentine.  Thank you for visiting my webpage.  One of the things that we have been working on in the House of Representatives is renewable energy and how Michigan can be more energy efficient.   

At least two dozen other states are attracting thousands of "green-collar" jobs and millions of dollars in private investment by requiring that a certain amount of their electricity come from clean, renewable sources.

To capture these jobs and other economic benefits of the rapidly growing renewable energy industry, the House has passed legislation that would enable Michigan to enact its own Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).

The Legislature has heard from major renewable energy providers who are waiting for Michigan to establish an RPS – providing a stable, reliable market – before committing to investing here.

We can retool our idled manufacturing plants to put thousands of our residents to work making components for wind turbines.  In addition, ramping up our renewable energy production will diversify our economy and our energy options, making Michigan's future more secure.

Every kilowatt hour we produce from renewable sources is one less kilowatt hour we need to get from oil, natural gas and coal.

The Renewable Portfolio Standard is part of the House Energy Plan, which will provide residents and businesses with affordable electricity well into the future. And it assures that companies from around the world who are considering investing in Michigan that we can provide access to the stable, reliable energy supply they need to do business.

If you have comments or questions about this legislation, or any other state government issue that you might be interested in, please give me a call toll-free at (877) 633-0331, or email me at maryvalentine@house.mi.gov.  I am here to serve you.

I hope to see you soon, thanks for listening.