It was a wake up call in 2008, with gas prices at $3 and $4 per gallon that Michigan cannot rely upon foreign sources of energy. Unfortunately, that lesson appears to have been lost upon many of our leaders. Michigan needs an "all of the above" balanced energy policy that is based upon common sense.
First, we need an energy policy that encourages energy efficiency. Reducing the demand for gasoline, electricity, natural gas and other energy will help hold down prices. In the long run, families and businesses could use the money saved through energy efficiency for other goods and services, helping to strengthen our economy.
Secondly, we need an energy policy that recognizes that an adequate and reliable supply of affordable electricity is a necessary and key factor for Michigan’s long-term economic health. Families and businesses are increasing their demand for electricity every year. Michigan needs new generating plants, but these workhorses of the electrical system are not being built. Those plants could be either coal-powered or nuclear, the truest green source of energy.
Lastly, we need to explore opportunities for renewable and alternative energy sources such as ethanol, wind, solar and hydrogen for the future. Renewable energy will play a larger role in our national energy mix in coming years. The crux of this is that we cannot subsidize any energy sources on the backs of taxpayers. Any energy source has to be able to sustain itself and not be reliant on the government.
America’s energy dependency did not develop overnight and it cannot be fixed with a single silver bullet. We can, however, address the issue by finally using every tool available to us by unleashing a diverse cross-section of American ingenuity and entrepreneurship fostered by a free market economy.
