Just a few short months ago – January of this year, in fact – a grand total of seven companies began a scheme to build a slew of dirty, outmoded coal-burning power plants all around the state of Michigan. Thankfully, a group called Clean Energy Now stepped in to combat this backward drive, courtesy of the coal companies. You might say that CEN is acting as the Indiana Jones to Big Coal’s devious pit of snakes.

By merit alone, CEN and other proponents of modern energy efficiency have many points. Tons of points. So many points, in fact, that if points were a source of renewable energy, we wouldn’t need to be having this debate in the first place. As for Big Coal, clearing out all the choking, burning coal-smoke reveals those pesky facts that fossil fuel-pushing execs would rather keep safely buried in the tar-pit. You know, the ones that are always getting in the way of lies and propaganda? Yeah, those facts.

Coal as Energy:

• ·         Coal is an old, antiquated, and completely out of date source of energy. Have I mentioned that it’s old? Why, I remember when coal was a new and innovative technology… back in 1769. In fact, the use of coal came to prominence during the same time period in which every physical ailment known to man was caused by demons and cured by leeches. Since the use of bloodsuckers by any hospital today would likely result in a something involving the words “class-action” and “lawsuit,” it’s time that Michigan’s energy companies update, too, and learn to embrace modern forms of energy production

• ·         Coal is dirty. Just ask Cinderella. $20 says she would have far preferred to reside under a solar panel than buried in five pounds of ash and soot

• ·         Coal keeps us dependent on imported sources of energy. The vast majority of fossil fuels are imported into Michigan, which in turn spends over $20 billion a year to feed this destructive habit. Cutting our addiction to coal and other fossil fuels would slash costs exponentially, as well as keep more cash in the state of Michigan – creating jobs and investing in our communities

Renewable Energy Sources and Efficiency:

• ·         Renewable energy sources are not just good for the environment, but good for the economy and job growth, as well. According to the Renewable Energy Policy Project, Michigan could stand to gain over 35,000 new jobs if alternative energy sources comprised at least 20% of the total power output by the year 2020. This strategy has already shown success in places like Pennsylvania and Texas, where both states have seen an increase of almost 5,000 jobs as a direct result of implementing renewable energy plans

• ·         Renewable energy sources would help stimulate Michigan’s struggling economy. If we cling to the use of coal as a primary power source, our state will fail in attracting the 21st century jobs it so desperately needs; however, if we acknowledge the benefits of renewable energy, our state will attract more outside business and trade, and thus establish itself as a leader in the alternative energy revolution

• ·         Energy efficiency provides more bang for the buck. Coal does not. Statistically speaking, for every dollar that is spent on efficiency, $3 more would be saved. This means that this spared profit margin could be invested back into the economy, and help to create more jobs

And so, there you have it: the barebones facts about both coal and renewable energy. If it wasn’t for the massive expenditures on high-priced lobbyists by coal companies, it seems as though the advocates for renewable energy would have to do little more than clear their throats to prove their point. Given the macabre condition of both the economy and the lack of substantial job growth, there is no time to waste on counterproductive ideas for the state. Renewable energy represents the future, then it’s about time we stopped clinging to the past. Go to http://progressmichigan.org/page/speakout/coalrush and fight back!