UP Gazette

Rep. Dave Prestin, along with Sen. Ed McBroom and Rep. Greg Markkanen, held a townhall event in Escanaba to discuss the recently signed green energy legislation. During the event, Rep. Prestin expressed concern about the impact of the legislation on the Upper Peninsula's energy reliability and affordability.

"It’s hard to find a silver lining in the energy future of the Upper Peninsula when the governor is levying a full-scale assault on our energy reliability and affordability," said Rep. Prestin. He emphasized that the public is unwilling to pay more for less reliability and that the legislation must be reversed. He also highlighted the importance of protecting the vulnerable U.P. industries and jobs.

The discussion at the townhall largely focused on the local impact of the energy legislation. Experts predict that average monthly electric bills could nearly double under the plan that aims to make Michigan 100 percent reliant on green energy by 2040. Rep. Prestin pointed out that California, after initially embracing renewable energy, had to backtrack and rely on natural gas power plants due to dramatic rate increases and widespread blackouts.

"This fight is not about climate change or proving someone else wrong; this is about our people, their jobs, and the industries that support our fragile U.P. economy," Rep. Prestin emphasized. He expressed concerns from labor about the potential negative impact on employers and the Upper Peninsula's timber, mining, and agriculture industries. He also highlighted the challenges faced by schools and families who may struggle with decreased affordability and the risk of power outages in harsh environments.

Rep. Prestin encouraged residents who were unable to attend the townhall to contact his office to provide input on the energy issue.

Overall, the townhall event made it clear that the people in attendance do not support the green energy legislation. They expressed concerns about the impact on energy reliability, affordability, jobs, and industries in the Upper Peninsula. Rep. Prestin and his colleagues are determined to reverse the legislation and protect the interests of their constituents.

To find out more, go to this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-prestin-packed-energy-townhall-was-clear-people-do-not-want-green-energy-for-christmas