Letter to Editor: Opposition to Gov. Snyder's Energy Plan

To the Editor:

Governor Snyder recently laid out his energy plan for Michigan, which called for an increase in natural gas. I strongly disagree with the Governor’s opinion that natural gas, which requires fracking, is what it best for Michigan. Instead, I believe that wind energy is what is best for Michigan’s energy future.

Devastating events such as Michigan’s floods in May, a drought throughout the summer that damaged the corn crop and a freak cold snap that decimated our tart cherries and apple crop, make it abundantly clear that Michigan needs to prioritize renewable energy.

I believe that wind energy is the best way to help curb these extreme weather events. The current wind energy production in Michigan is equivalent to taking 48,000 cars off the road and if wind development continues, the wind energy production would be equivalent to taking 169,000 cars off the road.

There is no denying the fact that Michigan needs a better plan for its energy future. The best plan for Michigan however is not natural gas, but wind energy. However key tax credits for wind power are set to expire at the end of the year, unless Congress votes to renew them. We thank Senator Stabenow and Senator Levin for supporting wind power and we urge them to do all they can to renew the wind tax credits—our air, our water, our crops and our future depend on it.

Rachel Koresky

Grosse Pointe Woods