RENEWABLE ENERGY: In the United States, we actually produced less energy from renewable sources in 2007 than in 2006. Not only did we produce fewer kilowatt hours of energy from renewable sources, but we also used more energy, and the market share of net energy generation that was renewable fell from 9.5 percent to 8.5 percent (U.S. figure). Michigan falls far short of the U.S. average, with only 3.1 percent of the market share classified as renewable in 2007. Renewable net generation measured by kilowatt hours has fallen in Michigan as well, by 7 percent between 2006 and 2007. This caused Michigan to drop from 16th to 22nd in the state ranking. Michigan actually produced more renewable energy in 2003 than in 2007. Per capita energy use decreased between 2005 and 2006, but was back up again in 2007, and Michigan dropped two spots in the ranking, to 14th.
CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS: Michigan has consistently ranked 43rd in the country on carbon dioxide emissions (number one being the lowest emissions) for the last three years. In comparison to nearby states, only Minnesota and Wisconsin emit significantly fewer metric tons.
TOXIC RELEASES: In 2007, Michigan ranked 36th in the nation (with 50th being worst) for total release of toxic chemicals. This is down from 35th in 2005, and 33rd in 2006. Minnesota and Wisconsin did significantly better, while Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio did far worse.
AIR QUALITY: Michigan’s air quality has deteriorated since the last Michigan scorecard was produced. Every single county in Michigan for which ozone was monitored received an F grade for high ozone days in 2005-2007. For 24-hour particle pollution days over the same time period, only two counties received grades higher than C: Berrien (B), and Missaukee (A). For annual particle pollution, Wayne County failed, while all other measured counties passed.
