Mich. (WNEM)- Environmental activists are calling for cleaner energy following Thursday’s natural gas pipeline explosion south of Fenton in Livingston County’s Tyrone Township.
The explosion shaken homes in the vicinity and left a large, crater near the center road and US-23. Consumers Energy stated that there was a leak at the natural gas transmission lines.
The opportunity to promote cleaner energy, such as wind and solar, is being seized upon by environmentalists.
This plan will impact how Consumers Energy customers power their homes and businesses, Michigan League of Conservation Voters Government Affairs Director Nicholas Occhipinti said. It is crucial to do it right.
Consumers Energy announced that it would stop using coal to generate electricity by 2025 and use 90% renewable energy resources by 2040. It also plans to build nearly 8,000 megawatts, solar energy, and save customers $650 millions through 2040.
Advocacy groups complain the utility would end its use of coal by investing $1.4 billion in additional gas, which advocates say can be expensive and volatile as shown by Wednesdays explosion.
Occhipinti would love to see it transition to affordable, clean solar and wind energy, as well as storage, much sooner.
We want to invest in fuel sources that are safer for people. Occhipinti said it’s safer for people.
Consumers Energy stated that its plan would allow them to invest more in renewable energy and continue exploring ways to reduce the environmental impact.
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