LANSING – Michigan is the 14th most energy efficient state in the nation, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy said in its annual scorecard released Wednesday.
Michigan received 23.5 points out of a possible 50 points in the scorecard.
Among the highlights the group noted were the loan programs for small businesses for pollution prevention and energy efficiency. It also lauded the state for having energy efficiency standards for state buildings.
The group also praised the state for the energy efficiency measures included in PA 295 of 2008, which is currently under discussion for revision.
Among the areas where the state lagged was not having an energy efficiency standard for state fleets and adopting federal efficiency standards for both commercial and residential buildings.
But environmental interests raised issue with the rating though, noting that Michigan’s ranking slipped from 12th place.
“Michigan’s energy efficiency standard has saved families in Detroit and across the state billions of dollars on their energy bills and we must build upon this progress, not turn back the clock,” said Guy Williams, president and CEO of Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, in a statement. “Michigan families face the highest electricity costs in the Midwest and we must protect and expand our energy efficiency standard to rein in rising costs.”
This story was published by Gongwer News Service. To subscribe, click on www.gongwer.com
