This March, Gov. Snyder announced a goal to meet 40 percent of our energy needs through renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2025

LANSING—Clean energy business owners traveled to Lansing today to urge the Michigan Legislature to increase Michigan's renewable energy and energy efficiency standards to rein in costs for Michigan ratepayers.

"Due to advances in technology and private-sector competition driven by Michigan's renewable energy standard, the costs of wind and solar have declined dramatically," said Dan Blondeau of Apex Clean Energy. "We're here in Lansing urging policymakers to build on the success of our clean energy sector by increasing Michigan's standards for renewable energy and energy efficiency."

Apex is building one of the nation's largest, most diversified portfolios of renewable energy resources and is working to develop a wind farm in Shiawassee County.

This March, Gov. Snyder announced a goal to meet 40 percent of our energy needs through renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2025. Current bills up for consideration would set a goal of only 30 percent by 2025.

"As a business owner invested in Michigan, I urge the legislature to set higher goals for renewable energy and energy efficiency to save money for Michigan families and businesses," said Michele Miles of Ventower Industries. "We have a real opportunity to save money for Michigan families and make our businesses more competitive by ensuring utilities purchase low cost renewable energy and offer programs to help consumers reduce energy waste."

Ventower Industries is a wind tower manufacturer based in Monroe, Michigan employing 160 people.