Mich.: Dems pitch energy plans

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Seizing upon a private project to build a wind farm in Michigan's Thumb, state Democrats promoted several alternative energy plans around the state Monday.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm introduced officials with the Harvest Wind Farm, expected to crank out enough power for 15,000 homes. The joint project between Wolverine Power Cooperative and John Deere Wind Energy is under construction in Huron County and is expected to be operational next year. Developers call it the first commercial scale or utility-sized wind farm in the state.

Also Monday, House Democrats pitched other plans to boost the state's alternative energy supply and lessen the state's dependence on foreign oil.

Some of the ideas are similar to those proposed by Granholm earlier this year. Among them is a proposal to require that alternative energy sources -- such as wind, solar, water and biomass -- account for 10 percent of the state's energy production by 2015.

The plan also sets a goal of having 25 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2025.

The renewable energy plan would need approval from the Legislature, which is run by Democrats in the House and Republicans in the Senate. Roughly half of the states in the nation have passed bills setting renewable portfolio standards.

A key question will be whether Michigan can or should come up with enough incentive and tax credit money to boost the fledgling business. The state continues to battle budget problems sparked by declining tax revenue in a stagnant economy.

Democratic lawmakers in the House want to provide tax incentives and credits for the development of alternative energy.

The plan would include solar and wind power, along with fuel cell technology, in renaissance zones that offer tax abatements. Credits also would be given for buying solar equipment and promoting energy conservation.

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