The state of Michigan will develop its own plan to meet new federal carbon emissions standards.
“Not to do so would put Michigan’s energy decision-making in the hands of bureaucrats in Washington DC,”
says Valerie Brader, who directs the Michigan Agency for Energy.
“Michigan does intend to develop its own state carbon implementation to ensure it retains control of its energy future, and we will do so within the time frame outlined by the EPA rule.”
The state has until roughly a year from now to create its plan. Business groups, environmentalists and utilities all expressed general support for the state developing its own plan to meet the new greenhouse gas standards instead of waiting for the federal government to set the terms of compliance, although most are also withholding judgment until they see the final product.
Brader and other aides to Governor Rick Snyder say they will not join state Attorney General Bill Schuette’s challenge to the Obama administration rule. Schuette joined 15 other Republican state officials to challenge the standards. The Legislature is also in the process of re-drafting the state’s energy policy to address the need for more power as nine large coal-fired plants are about to be retired.
The fights include requiring more energy to be generated using clean, renewable resources, and the role of independent suppliers that compete with incumbent utilities.
