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#40 STATE ENERGY POLICY
Michigan must implement a state energy policy that will encourage renewable energies and reduce dependence on petroleum based products and foreign nations for energy needs. We recognize agriculture’s vulnerability to energy interruptions and the economic hardships that result. We support immediate and long-term solutions including:
• Public policy and programs to increase the utilization of “green energy” which minimizes adverse environmental impacts.
• Legislation and zoning that will allow alternative energy production and marketing on farms.
• A Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard emphasizing in-state production and ownership.
• Incentives for additional refineries.
• Incentives to upgrade our current electrical generating systems and grid.
• The development of a state energy policy which gives high priority to agricultural enterprises, such as production, processing and storage facilities, allowing them the same power quality as other commercial industries.
• Net-metering legislation or regulation that enables producers to sell excess power generated on farms back to utilities at an equitable rate.
• Incentives for “green energy” production for sale or use on farms. Examples include, but are not limited to, co-generation, silvicultural material, methane digestion, wind, hydro and solar power.
• Increasing incentives that would broaden the use of biomass-blended fuels.
• Education and policy programs to promote sound energy conservation.
• Options which include support for expanding domestic exploration, incentives to accelerate expansion of liquid natural gas import facilities and implementation of technology to utilize domestic coal reserves, and the development of fuel cell technology.
This policy should ensure agriculture has consistent, reliable and affordable energy sources.
