LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today passed a plan proposed by State Representative Dan Scripps (D-Leland) that will allow the state to capitalize on millions of dollars in federal stimulus funds to create jobs, lower heating costs for families, schools and local governments, and spur the growth of renewable energy in Michigan. The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Revolving Loan Fund will provide low-interest loans for energy efficiency measures and plans that promote renewable energy.
"Green energy means big business for Michigan, and that means jobs for our workers," said Scripps, a member of the House Energy and Technology Committee. "In these tough economic times, we need to take advantage of every federal dollar available to get our workers back on the job. For decades, Michigan's hard-working residents have been building the cutting-edge vehicles that put the world on wheels – we can take that know-how and build the wind turbines and solar panels that will power our nation in the 21st century."
Scripps' plan, which passed the House with broad bipartisan support, will create a fund to provide $10 million in low-interest loans for energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing ventures. The program will also position Michigan to potentially attract hundreds of millions in federal dollars in the future, because the fund is a necessary pre-condition for additional stimulus money.
The plan passed today also fixes an important loophole by ensuring townships and villages can apply for these and other federal stimulus funds available in Michigan.
"Michigan must be a leader in the emerging renewable energy field," Scripps said. "We have the world's best workers, and we simply cannot afford to miss out on these jobs when our unemployment rate is topping 15 percent. My top priority is bringing jobs and businesses to our state and by building a new energy future for our nation, we can put Michigan back on the road to prosperity."