FeedsRomulus may harness wind power
Two bills under debate in Lansing could bring jobs to the area, which has Romulus officials interested in the potential impact of the legislation.
Senate Bills 213 and 1048 and House Bill 5524 would provide energy legislation that backers said would will stimulate economic growth and the creation of “green jobs” while saving ratepayers $4.3 billion in future energy costs.
“This package of bills represents a critical step in the direction of reducing carbon emissions and developing cleaner energy solutions for Michigan,” said Sen. Ray Basham (D-Taylor). “Setting standards for renewable energy production will help drive investment in wind, solar, and other alternative energy sources to create jobs while reducing the state’s contribution to global climate change.”
Green jobs – or any jobs, for that matter – appeal to the leadership in Romulus, whose attempts at bringing in more jobs have so far been thwarted.
“It’s a very tough time out there right now,” he said. “But we would welcome alternative energy – and we have quite a few places to put these facilities.”
Bill details
The package of bills, if approved by the Legislature, would create a 10 percent “Renewable Portfolio Standard” that would encourage investment in Michigan’s renewable energy sector, and create new manufacturing jobs in the wind and solar industries.
The bills would also save ratepayers $4.3 billion in avoided costs during the next 20 years by not paying for unnecessary new baseload plants; diversify the Michigan economy; create new energy efficiency standards; include a “net metering” law that will allow consumers to sell renewable energy that they produce back to utility companies; provide an income tax credit for ratepayers to offset a portion of their investments in renewable energy for Michigan; and ensure that money will not be spent on renewable energy technology unless it is less expensive than new coal plants.
For communities like Romulus, which has seen chances for a harness racing track and a casino – and the potential for 3,000 jobs – seriously curtailed, baseload plants sound like an idea that may work for the largely industrial city, said Tim Keyes, city economic development director.
“We are currently looking at a company that is involved in wind technology, but they are looking at several communities and states,” he said.
That company, which Keyes said he could not name, is working with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to potentially find a host community.
Some specific areas that would be ideal for such facilities would be the industrial areas located along Ecorse Road, and the intersecting areas of Cogswell and Van Born Road, and Eureka and Interstate 275, Keyes said.
Michigan ripe for program
Renewable energy manufacturers are investing billions of dollars in expanding their capacities every day, and Michigan already has superior tool and die, metal fabrication, and metal working capabilities and a highly-developed manufacturing supplier network. This new legislation opens the door for the state to become a major player in the fast-growing renewable energy sector, Basham said.
Michigan has been identified by the United States Department of Energy as one of the top eight states in the nation for potential wind production.
The Department also recognizes Michigan as one of four states that will create more than 30,000 manufacturing jobs in the wind sector alone.
In communities like Romulus, which have struggled with a lag in development, record home foreclosures and joblessness among citizenry, officials are ready to throw caution to the wind.
“Alternative energy is important,” Lambert said. “It’s something that would be good for our manufacturing area.”
