LANSING – State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) today introduced a plan to establish a low-carbon fuel standard in Michigan, a move that will require oil refineries and fuel blenders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent by 2020.
"Michigan is poised to be a world leader in the production and development of alternative energy – an industry that can create tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic development," said Gonzales, whose plan to provide tax incentives for advanced battery companies has resulted in five world-class companies committing to invest more than $1.7 billion in Michigan and creating 6,600 jobs. "We must act quickly and seize this moment while our nation transitions into a new energy economy. If we fail to take advantage of this opportunity, we risk losing out on thousands of jobs in an industry that can power Michigan in the 21st century, just as the auto industry drove us through the 20th."
Gonzales' plan, House Bill 5383, would require that oil refineries and fuel blenders lower their greenhouse gas emissions through use of low-carbon fuels. These include Michigan-grown biofuels, the inclusion of which would stimulate local economies throughout the state and create jobs while reducing our dependence on foreign oil from unstable nations.
Michigan spends $14 billion annually on energy importation, much of which consists of dirty fossil fuels. Keeping even a small percentage of those dollars in Michigan would provide a huge boost to Michigan's green economy and help local farmers and businesses grow their operations.
"We're transitioning away from a fossil-fuel based economy, but for many businesses in the renewable energy industry, the transition isn't happening fast enough," Gonzales said. "With a low carbon fuel standard, we can expand the market for these products, and that means more jobs for our workers. This is where we're headed – Michigan should be in the lead as we move forward."