A study by Environment Michigan has found that a strong state-level commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency in Michigan could help revive revitalize Michigan's economy. According to the peer-reviewed study, such a commitment could bring 6,800 new jobs and $3.3 billion in new salaries, in addition to $2.2 billion in energy bill cost savings and a 30% reduction in power plant pollution. The study says that in order to achieve these benefits, Michigan must develop policies that establish a Renewable Energy Standard requiring 20% of the state's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020 and that establish an Energy Efficiency Fund of $225 million per year. The policies would eliminate the need for new power plant construction in the state, saving money on utilities payments and reducing the $20 billion spent annually by Michigan residents on energy imports.

The study asserts that Michigan does not need and should not pay for any additional coal or nuclear power plants, arguing instead that Michigan's energy needs would be better served by investment in clean energy technologies. Investing in these technologies would reduce dependency on imported energy resources such as coal, gas, and uranium while also taking advantage of clean energy resources within Michigan. The study explains that Michigan has a "huge" potential for renewable energy generation, with enough on-shore wind energy, biomass, and solar resources to supply two-thirds of the electricity currently used. Investment in renewable energy would reduce power plant pollution by 30%, preventing the emission of a total of 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (global warming pollutant), 260,000 tons of sulfur dioxide (soot-forming), 90,000 tons of nitrogen oxides (smog-forming), and 1,000 pounds of mercury (neurological toxicant). Moreover, the proposals in the study would double the air pollution reductions proposed in Governor Jennifer Granholm's 21st Century Energy Plan.