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Michigan Climate Action Council
On November 14, 2007, Governer Granholm passed Executive Order No. 2007-42 which establishes the Michigan Climate Action Council (MCAC) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) as the lead agency of that council.
The Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) is facilitating the development of Michigan's climate action plan. This company is working/has worked with over 30 states. Other states have very similar policy and regulatory outcomes.
The Council is comprised of members representing academia, a broad base of industry, utilities, state and local government, and environmental interest groups. Members include all persons that attended the first meeting held in December, regardless of their affiliation. A list of members of the Agriculture Forestry and Waste (AFW) Technical Working Group (TWG) can be found at the Michigan Climate Action Council website.
TWG's send their recommendations to the Council; consensus is not necessary among TWG members in order to send comments to the Council. The Council acts in an advisory capacity to:
- Produce an inventory & forecast of greenhouse gas sources & emissions from 1990-2025
- Consider potential state and multi-state actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change in various sectors including energy supply, efficiency and conservation, industrial process and waste management, transportation and land use, and agriculture and forestry.
- Develop a comprehensive climate action plan with specific recommendations for reducing greenhouse gases in Michigan by business, government and the general public.
- Advise state and local government on measures to address climate change.
The work will be completed in two phases. In the first phase, the Council developed an interim report with a list of policy recommendations on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet short-, mid-and long term goals or targets. Click here to read the MCAC's Interim Report. In the second phase, by December 31, 2008, the Council shall issue a comprehensive Climate Change plan for Michigan. The Plan will further develop the policy recommendations in the interim report and include an assessment of climate change impacts to Michigan including likelihood of occurrence, and recommendations for adaptive measures. The Council shall also recommend legislation to support its recommendations.
The Agriculture Forestry and Waste (AFW) TWG members had the opportunity to cast a ballot for the top 10 priorities they felt would decrease GHG emissions the most. The list below is the priorities that the AFW TWG will design policy on. Members that do not sit on the TWG are allowed to offer comments on the policy options discussed – MFB has a seat on this TWG.
- Expanded Use of Biomass Feedstocks for Electricity, Heat, or Steam Production
- In-State Liquid Biofuels Production
- Methane Capture & Utilization from Manure & other Biological Waste
- Expanded Use of Bio-based Materials
- Promote Vegetative Cover
- Forestry and Agricultural Land Protection
- Promotion of Farming Practices that Achieve GHG Benefits
- Forest Management for Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity
- Advanced Recycling, Source Reduction, and Composting
- Landfill methane energy programs
21st Century Energy Plan: Public Service Commission
Governor Granholm issued Executive Directive 2006-2, on April 6, 2006 calling for the development of a comprehensive energy plan for the state of Michigan. Peter Lark, chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission, chaired the development of the plan and published the plan on January 31, 2007. The plan was developed by the chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission, working in cooperation with representatives from the public and private sectors, including the directors of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and other state departments. Earlier in 2006, the Michigan Public Service Commission indicated the state will be facing a need for new generation capacity by 2009.
The directive called for specific recommendations on:
- Meeting the state's short and long-term electric needs for residential, industrial, commercial and governmental customers in way that that ensures a reliable, safe, clean and affordable supply
- Developing Michigan's electronic infrastructure to further the state's competitive business climate, grow jobs, and provide affordable rates for all customers
- Reducing reliance on fossil fuels through energy efficiency, alternative energy, and renewable energy technologies consistent with the goal of assuring reliable, safe, clean and affordable energy
- Protecting natural resources and the environment from pollution, physical or visual impairment, or destruction and future risks associated with fossil fuels
- Developing a renewable portfolio standard which will establish targets for the share of the state's energy consumption that should come from renewable energy sources
- Identifying new technology options to generate, transmit, or distribute energy more cleanly or more efficiently
- Fostering continued growth of alternative and renewable energy technologies within the state by ensuring development of the intellectual capital, financing, infrastructure, and other resources necessary for the growth of the industry
- Identifying any legislative or regulatory changes necessary to its implementation, together with any financial, funding, or incentive mechanisms needed to best position the state to meet the energy challenges of the future.
Click here to read the entire 21st Century Energy Plan.
