Michigan legislator introduces cutting edge energy bill

[greenman3610]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story;jsessionid=B24655A60607A7ABFB080ACB7C9559B0?id=50004

Patterned after Germany's highly successful Renewable Energy Sources Act, Veteran Michigan Assemblywoman Kathleen Law submitted a bill to the Michigan House of Representatives earlier this week that creates the first comprehensive renewable energy feed-in tariff (FIT) introduced into any U.S. legislature.

The proposed tariffs or payments for solar energy in the Michigan bill are more than 50% greater than the equivalent tariffs in Ontario, currently the highest in North America. Likewise, the proposed tariff for biogas is nearly one-third greater than that in Ontario.
Like the German law which has powered the country to world leadership in wind, solar, and biomass energy—and created nearly one-quarter million new jobs in its booming renewable energy industry—proponents of the bill are hoping the tariff will revive Michigan's flagging economy.

"We are extremely excited that Michigan has joined the ranks of so many progressive states in making the commitment to reduce our carbon footprint," said Subhendu Guha, President of United Solar Ovonic, which is headquartered in Michigan and is a leading manufacturer of thin film solar cells. "Policies like this will create new jobs in Michigan and will help maintain a cleaner environment."

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Feed in Tariff in Ontario has a been a big success. Projected to add 100 megawatts of
new projects in the first year, after just 6 months the FIT had brought 330 mw
into the pipeline.

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=48565

[SharonRB]

1. But will it solve the budget crisis?

Seriously, this is good news. Props to Kathleen Law. Hope it will pass.