By Mark Huizenga

In his recent column, Ken Braun repeats several myths and distortions about renewable energy that we as conservatives have heard too many times. As a free market conservative, I believe it is important to set the record straight on three key points:

• The market for electricity is not a competitive, free market. The state’s two largest utilities have a monopoly on electricity distribution. In fact, the utilities went to the legislature in 2008 and asked to be regulated in order to establish their monopoly status.

• Coal, oil and gas have been the largest beneficiaries of subsidies and incentives. Another topic that’s often muddled in misconceptions is energy subsidies and who gets them. The truth is ALL forms of energy are subsidized. The federal government has employed a variety of incentives to support research, development and deployment of energy sources for decades. Oil, gas and coal have been the largest beneficiaries by far, receiving 70% of all incentives since 1950. Incentives for renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, hydro and geothermal, account for only 9% of the total federal energy incentive spending.

On top of that, the state of Michigan also subsidizes coal generation, providing tax exemptions to coal-fired power plants on an annual basis.

• Wind-generated electricity is cheaper than all other forms of energy. Even with huge subsidies from the state and federal government, what we’re seeing is that coal just can’t compete. Over the last 5 years, wind has become globally competitive because of huge advances in technology. Just like flat screen TVs and computers, new technology has driven down the costs of producing and using renewable energy.

According to filings by the utility companies, recent wind contracts are coming in at just $43 per megawatt/hour, which is less than half the cost of coal and nuclear.

What’s even better is that much of the research and development of these cost-saving, cutting-edge technologies is being done right here in Michigan by our manufacturers, engineers and scientists. Transitioning to clean, renewable energy is putting people back to work and allows us to retool and reopen our factories.

The new digester in Fremont and another being built in Lowell are perfect examples of renewable energy innovations that are creating jobs right here in Michigan.

In his recent energy announcement, Governor Rick Snyder called for a transition from coal to clean renewable energy sources. Independent research shows that we can get at least 30% of our energy from renewable sources, like wind and solar, by 2035.

It’s important to remember, Governor Snyder is a businessman who uses numbers and facts to guide his decisions. As conservatives, we need to do the same, which is why Ken Braun’s column is so unfortunate.

It’s time to dispel the myths and end the distortions. It’s time for conservatives to lead on the issue of renewable energy.

Mark Huizenga is the Mayor of Walker, owner of Mark Huizenga Systems Consulting, LLC and serves on the leadership council of the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum.