To the Journal editor:

In a political landscape that is increasingly and alarmingly steeped in bitter and petty partisanship, there is one issue that Republicans and Democrats should be working together on because Michiganders of all political affiliations understand its importance: A comprehensive energy policy.

Michigan’s current clean energy policy has been a great success; however, it is set to expire at the end of 2015 with no plan to replace it. Our state’s growing clean energy sector is in limbo beyond 2015 despite the many economic, health and environmental benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The situation is a crisis in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula where new cost effective base load generation and transmission connecting the two peninsulas is desperately needed.

Time is running out for our current energy policy and we still do not have a plan in place to build upon the success of our thriving clean energy sector.

When our legislators return next year, we encourage them to get a plan in place that will allow Michigan to lead, will attract jobs and spark investment in our state.

Michiganders support transitioning from coal to clean, renewable energy. Polling numbers from across the state and across the political spectrum show strong support for diversifying our energy supply, generating more clean energy and reducing energy waste through energy efficiency.

Michigan’s electricity rates are 12th highest in the nation. It is crucially important that our representatives know that we support a reliable, affordable and clean energy plan because it will create jobs, save businesses and families money and protect Michigan’s air, land and water.

Make sure your policymakers know where you stand on clean energy and make sure it is one of their priorities as well.