Letters 11-10-2014

Nov. 9, 2014

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Aim For More Renewable Energy

"Aim High!" Isn’t that a goal for all of us? When I look at states surrounding Michigan and even other countries, they have lofty but attainable goals for increasing their renewable energy. Michigan’s goal, set in 2008, to have 10 percent of our energy coming from renewable energy by the end of 2015, is rather pitiful compared to the states that want to attract new industries -- and 2015 is about here. It is time for a new plan for making our beloved state attractive to new businesses that produce renewable energy, for creating more jobs that are forward looking and solid, and for working together to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Since the renewable energy plan was passed in 2008, Michigan has seen $2.2 billion in private sector investment in clean energy, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission. Clean energy also saves businesses and families money, and the sector employs tens of thousands of Michiganders across the state. Our state’s clean energy economy is growing in response to sensible, reliable public policy, but one that is ready for new life. Please ask your legislators to use this lame duck session to do something of import for all of us living in this land so beautifully surrounded by the inland seas: Pass a plan to continue encouraging and developing our clean energy sector. As citizens, we Michiganders must be participants in our government if we expect it to work well. Contact your policy makers and let them know that you want to move renewable energy forward in Michigan with a plan that will grow our economy, increase jobs, attract new innovative industries, and keep our Great Lakes clean and healthy. Let’s aim high and get this plan made!

Mary Van Valin, Traverse City

Market-Based Climate Solution

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its "synthesis report" on Sunday, stating states that global climate disruption is happening faster than previously predicted. Therefore, we need to transition to non-carbon forms of energy as quickly as possible.

Most economists, including conservative economists like George Schultz (Reagan and Nixon administrations) and Henry Paulson (Bush administration), recognize that a market-based approach that steadily increases fees on emissions is the most efficient method to catalyze the transition.

Understandably, concern over what such a policy would do to the economy has been the primary deterrent to taking action. The good news is that a study done by Regional Economic Model, Inc. evaluated the effect of such legislation holding all other parameters constant. Incredibly, the study found that if all the collected revenues were returned to American households in the form of monthly dividends, millions of new jobs would be created while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 52% in just 20 years. Because the monthly dividend would result in more disposable income for most families (i.e. more money in one’s pocket), jobs in retail, food services, construction, and health care would be created. This is especially true in the Midwest.

A majority of young voters, including young Republicans, support action on climate change. The recent election put the control of Congress squarely in the GOP’s hands.

Rather than imposing more regulations, now is time for a coalition of Republicans in Congress, including our own Dr. Benishek, to bravely champion a market-based approach to reducing carbon pollution. It is an opportunity for U.S. to lead a clean tech revolution. We owe it to our children and grandchildren.

Elizabeth Del Buono, MD

Northern Michigan Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Traverse City

Snow Removal Through The Years

An 1886 editorial in the Grand Traverse Herald declared, "Something should be done with the snow plow jobs. On such a day as last Saturday the plows should have done a good job of clearing the soft snow from the walks. At best the walks have not been opened so that two persons could walk together with any degree of comfort."

In 1947, an editorial in the Record-Eagle stated, "It is difficult for old timers, when they wade through knee deep snow, not to draw comparisons with the so-called good old days when horse-drawn snowplows had the sidewalks cleared all over town by eight o’clock in the morning, no matter how bad the storm. We must remember that John Kelly and his corps of plowmen had a much smaller city to cover than the Traverse City of today. We must remember also that John and his men plowed only the sidewalks, not the streets."

In 1958, the Record-Eagle declared, "Traverse City’s street department is doing an excellent job of keeping the streets and sidewalks clear of snow. Pedestrians find the sidewalks clear of snow and, when conditions warrant it, the walks are sanded for their safety."

For more than a century, the city has provided sidewalk snow removal as a service to citizens, yet some commissioners now favor a strict ordinance requiring property owners to clear sidewalks, levying fines against those who do not comply.

Why the sudden change in policy? Did I miss something?

Ben Hansen, Traverse City

A Living Wage

I frequently hear politicians on both sides say that they are going to create jobs. The recent Proposal 1 which eliminated business personal property taxes was worded to include "create jobs" to trick people into voting yes.

Tax cuts and reduced regulations create profit, not jobs. Consumer demand creates jobs. If a business is operating at only half capacity, that owner will likely lay off employees not hire more. It is only when the business is operating at full capacity that new employees will be hired to keep up with demand. How do we increase consumer demand?

Consumers need the wages to buy those goods and services. The poverty level in 2014 for a family of four is $23,850. To get above the poverty line, the minimum wage would have to be $11.50 per hour x 40 hrs per week x 52 weeks per year. In an effort to head off a ballot proposal, Michigan legislators raised the minimum wage to $8.15 per hour effective September 1, 2014. By 2018, incremental raises will equal $9.25 per hour, which guarantees those making minimum wage will remain in poverty for at least the next 4 years. Workers need a living wage!

Beverly Christensen, Cedar