Quixote by Lantern Waste Studios

Right now, only 3% of Michigan's electricity comes from renewable resources. Michigan Public Service Commission Chairman J. Peter Lark says that raising the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) is a good first move:

"A required RPS is a win-win proposition. It will encourage the creation of in-state jobs, reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels, diversify Michigan's fuel mix, and provide a measure of protection from potential expensive emissions regulations."

This is just a bit from a truly excellent article in the Metro Times that looks at the economics of alternative energy from the $18 billion that Michigan sends to other states and countries for coal, oil, natural gas and uranium imported to the sad fact that although Michigan is ranked as the 14th windiest state and California 17th, California has thousands of wind turbines while Michigan has exactly three. The Washington-based Renewable Energy Policy Project has estimated that if Michigan's potential for wind power were fully developed, more than 8,000 jobs would be generated.

Read Power in Play in Metro Times Detroit and also check out Michigan's 21st Century Energy Plan.