This spring Groundwork launched Groundwork Shines to demonstrate to homeowners and businesses – as well as utilities and legislators – that solar power has arrived as a vital part of Michigan’s energy future. Through Shines, we’re working with local solar installers to better understand the challenges and opportunities for residential solar here in the Grand Traverse region.
A little over a month ago, leaders from almost 200 countries approved an agreement that basically says, “We’ve got a serious climate problem and an unprecedented opportunity; we will work together to solve it for the benefit of humanity.”
Mary Van Valin is a force of nature. A retired math teacher, Mary now spends her retirement helping to transform the Traverse City area into an equitable, resilient, thriving community. In the two month since I met her, Mary has launched an EV group purchase effort, taught 4th and 5th graders how to make small solar panels for doing experiments in math and science, brought close to 200 people to the State to see a live feed of the Pope addressing Congress, and attended a March for Justice in Detroit.
When it comes to clean energy, Jim MacInnes, CEO of Crystal Mountain Resort, is the definition of pioneer and early adopter. He’s gradually transformed the beautiful golf, skiing, and conference center near Thompsonville into a remarkably green, energy-efficient operation. He’s deeply involved in trying to improve the state’s clean energy policies; and he regularly hosts a statewide conference focused on building a more sustainable economy in Michigan.
A century ago, Detroit and Michigan were growing like cherries in June. As the nascent auto industry took hold in Detroit and Michigan, it attracted ambitious, hard working people from around the world who wanted to work on Henry Ford’s new-fangled production line.
Groundwork and our new Clean Energy Policy Specialist Dan Worth submitted written testimony concerning Senate Bill 438-a bill introduced by Senator John Proos to repeal provisions of the Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act. We support a stronger state Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), more energy optimization, and full retail credit for residential and commercial solar systems. SB 438 does the opposite.