LANSING — On Monday, environmental groups called on the Michigan Senate to defeat House Bill 5205, which redefines renewable energy to include burning hazardous waste, tires and railroad ties.  The bill passed the House on Dec. 4 and was referred to the Senate Energy and Technology Committee on Dec. 9.

“Michigan’s actual renewable energy sector is thriving and now is the time to build upon our success—not take us backward,” said Jim Dulzo, senior energy policy advisor for the Michigan Land Use Institute. “We urge the Senate to help build a strong energy future by rejecting House Bill 5205.”

Under the 2008 Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act, Michigan utilities must generate 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2015.  Michigan utility companies are on track to meet this standard, which is set to expire next year.  Since enactment of the law, the costs of wind and solar have decreased dramatically. House Bill 5205 sets a dangerous precedent by changing the scientific definition of renewable energy to include hazardous industrial waste, such as toxic petroleum byproducts and burning tires.

“HB 5205 undermines the growing trend in truly clean, affordable renewable energy produced by and for Michiganders today,” said Nick Occhipinti, director of policy for the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. “We look forward to working with the Legislature to pass common-sense, forward looking policies to increase our use of clean, renewable energy. We urge them to reject this proposal.”