The cost of electric generation goes beyond what a customer pays in their bill. Electric generation imposes costs on the environment, public health, and natural resources of the state not included in a customer's bill. However, ultimately the residents of Michigan pay these costs. Health costs from premature deaths from respiratory diseases, asthma, and aggravation of cardiovascular conditions. Damages to agricultural crops and reduction in crop yield when pollutants fall on crops and the soils.
Soybeans are one of the major crops affected by utility emissions.
Utility emissions also damage forestry resources stunting the growth of trees and degrading the soil. Utility emissions form acid rain cause corrosion of metal structures, deterioration of finishes and erosion of stone buildings. Acid rain also makes lakes more acidic harming fish and other aquatic species. The current system places the environmental costs of electric generation at zero. The overwhelming evidence of environmental impacts from electric generation demonstrates the need to develop a system that minimizes these costs.