Hoekstra errs on need for coal plants

[irishbobcat]

Hoekstra errs on need for coal plants
   Apr 16, 2009   Detroit News, Opinion
   Rebuttal Hoekstra errs on need for coal plants Kudos to U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, for touting energy efficiency as a key policy tool to keep energy prices in check and spark our economy ("Political correctness won't power America," April . But Hoekstra fails to embrace other tools crucial to in-state jobs and economic progress -- clean energy industries. Instead, he relies on long-outdated data and arguments perpetuated by those who stand to gain by keeping Michigan dependent on imported coal. Our state and nation need virtually no new coal plants to thrive. The federal Energy Information Administration's recent outlook indicates the nation needs perhaps two new coal plants, even if no new renewable energy sources are developed. Bipartisan legislation passed in Lansing last year requires coal plants (and noncoal competitors) to show they are the most reasonable and prudent option for new power. New plants built to burn imported coal in Michigan will come at the expense of in-state industries for efficiency products and clean energy components. The construction of a coal plant similar to one proposed in Bay City would pollute for at least 50 years, bleeding more than $9 billion from Michiganians to import 100 percent of its coal. That money could better be spent on in-state energy jobs. U.S. Rep. Vernon Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids, recently co-signed a national renewable electricity standard bill that analysts say would create hundreds of thousands of jobs and reduce utility bills. Hoekstra might follow fellow Republican Ehlers' lead rather than turning back the clock to maintain a dirty, century-old power option. Robert C. Sisson, National President, Republicans for Environmental Protection, and former mayor of Sturgis