Strange but True: Study results spell good news fror the economy AND the environment!

In Michigan’s dismal economic climate any news about job growth is good news. But a recent study offers positive news for both the economy and the environment, a welcome change from the gloomy forecasts of late. It turns out that a healthy economy and a healthy environment may not be mutually exclusive after all.

The study, conducted by the nonprofit Center for Climate Strategies, evaluates the potential economic impact the Michigan Climate Action Plan would have on our suffering state. The Climate Action Plan was developed by the Michigan Climate Action Council (MCAC), an advisory council appointed by Governor Granholm in 2007 with the task of formulating a plan to reduce greenhouse gasses in Michigan. The plan consists of 54 “policy recommendations to reduce GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions and address related energy and commerce issues in Michigan” (click here to view the entire plan!).

The MCAC designed these 54 recommendations around the ultimate goal of a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gasses below 2005 levels by 2025, and an 80 percent reduction below 2005 levels by 2050. The plan, which includes implementing all parts of the recently passed PA 295: Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act, also includes recommendations such as stricter building codes for energy efficiency, power plant replacement, and increased rail capacity.

The Center for Climate Strategies conducted a study to assess the economic viability of the MCAC plan, and drew a hopeful conclusion: implementation of all of the MCAC recommendations would result in a net savings of about $10 billion in Michigan between 2010 and 2025, would reduce residential energy costs, and would lead to the creation of 129,000 new jobs by 2025. And all this while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions! Brilliant!

The study acknowledges that some jobs would be lost as the state moved towards new methods of energy production, but overall hundreds of thousands of new jobs would be created. This is great news not only for the environmental community, but for Michigan as a whole. Let’s hope the results of the study provide enough of a positive incentive for lawmakers to begin adopting the measures suggested by the MCAC.

To see the results of the Center for Climate Strategies assessment of the Michigan Climate Action Plan, click here!