A recently proposed energy package in the Michigan Senate falls short of the goals of the Michigan Manufacturers Association in Lansing, and that has spawned a letter to State Senator John Proos and his colleagues detailing the manufacturing sector's major concerns going forward.
On Monday, the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) sent a letter to Proos and other members of the Michigan Senate identifying several issues of concern in the recently proposed energy package. The legislation currently does not meet the Association’s principles, primarily the goal of preserving 10-percent of the energy market for electric choice.
MMA’s letter indicates the Association’s continuing interest in seeking solutions to move Michigan forward with an energy policy which will help manufacturers compete effectively in the global economy.
Mike Johnston is Vice President of Government Affairs at the MMA. He says, “Manufacturing propels Michigan’s economic resurgence by employing nearly 600,000 workers and leading the nation in new manufacturing job growth with over 165,000 jobs created since June 2009.” He adds, “In this discussion, we are working to preserve the 10-percent electric choice market to ensure manufacturers have competitive options to continue this nation-leading growth.”
The letter outlines specific issues which do not meet the primary goals articulated by MMA throughout the multi-year energy debate of preserving choice for both those currently in the choice market and those in queue waiting to access the choice market.
As Johnston reminds the Senate, “We agreed to preserving 10-percent of the market for choice back in 2008, when the energy policy returned to a more regulated model.” He also notes, “We are now working to ensure market-based dynamics remain in place in the new policy by ensuring the 10-percent choice opportunity remains viable to help companies compete. We believe reliability and choice are compatible concepts and our suggested changes to the proposed legislation preserve both of those goals.”
For 115 years, the MMA has been serving Michigan manufacturers and related industries by providing effective representation at Michigan’s Capitol; timely educational seminars; quality, competitive-rate insurance programs; informational e-newsletters; and the monthly MiMfg Magazine. You can visit www.mimfg.org for more information.
