MICHIGAN: ANOTHER GOVERNOR FOR NEW ENERGY

Looks like another governor following California Governor Arnold’s lead. Governors see 2 things that national leaders do not seem to: (1) People want New Energy. (2) New Energy grows and diversifies local economies.

Granholm is also advocating a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) for Michigan that would require the state’s utilities to obtain a percentage of their electricity from renewable sources by a designated year. Granholm: "When we adopt renewable portfolio standards, we will see the jobs come…"

NewEnergyNews believes you are absolutely right, Governor.

Governor touts energy industry; Granholm plans to embark on a monthlong tour promoting the state’s alternative energy businesses
Mark Hornbeck, November 3, 2007 (Detroit News)

WHO
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Michigan may not be the sunniest state in the union but it has a thriving biomass industry.

WHAT
Granholm will spend a month touring Michigan businesses developing New Energy to all attention to the possibilities and develop momentum.

WHEN
The tour began November 5.

WHERE
Granholm will visit 9 Michigan cities: Cassopolis, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Eaton Rapids, Midland, Oakland County and the Upper Peninsula.

WHY
- K&M Machine Fabricating in Cassopolis makes wind turbines. This exemplifies the way Michigan expertise in mechanics and machine design can be applied to the growing demand for wind energy technology.
- New Energy business executives appearing with Granholm talked about the expectation of new jobs in the coming year.
- Granholm advocates a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) for Michigan that would require the state’s utilities to obtain 25% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

The state REALLY needs to get into the offshore wind business. The intensity of its coastal wind is extraordinary. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
Granholm: "We have to diversify this stubborn economy…Worldwide, $20 trillion over the next few years will be invested in alternative energy…We've got a huge moment here (in Michigan). We have wind, we have water, we have the workforce."