Brad Williams: Energy policy will grow Michigan economy

The future of Michigan energy is now, and we fully support Gov. Rick Snyder's mission to make our state an example of what positive energy can do for the future of our families and businesses across both of Michigan's peninsulas.

Michigan faces an electric capacity shortfall. Forward thinking by the governor will help drive us toward a Michigan First goal of securing the necessary capacity and economic framework to ensure an energy future centered on a legislative policy that is affordable, reliable and environmentally conscious.

Anything less than that will stall the economic recovery in Michigan that shows:

•Michigan ranks sixth nationwide for the best entrepreneurial climate, up from 41st in 2007 and 2008;

•In a recent Small Business Association of Michigan survey of nearly 700 small businesses, 38 percent plan to boost wages in the next six months;

•86,000 manufacturing jobs created since 2010, the most in the United States;

•Home values have increased 25 percent since 2010;

•Three consecutive years of population growth.

This is the type of progress that needs to be reinforced as we move toward the governor's goal of no regrets by 2025. That said, in order to continue generating economic development that leads to increased investment in our state, it's important to fashion a Michigan First policy that addresses the anticipated electric capacity shortfall. We need a policy that puts Michigan first so that Michigan companies and Michigan workers generate the power we need to keep jobs here in Michigan.

The projected electric capacity shortfall in the Lower Peninsula — which has been thoroughly documented in recent House committee testimony and could happen as early as 2016 — reinforces the need for a Michigan First policy that ensures an adequate supply of electricity. When the amount of electricity in reserve dips below acceptable levels, we all become vulnerable to reliability risks and uncertainty, which impact business and quality of life.

To rely on other states or the federal government to address this situation is wishful thinking and no way to ensure Michigan remains at the forefront of industries such as manufacturing.

Investors from around the nation and world are taking notice of Michigan's changing business climate. Let's continue to build on that momentum without looking back, and elevate a good comeback to great.