Clean Energy Innovators: Mary Van Valin

Clean Energy Innovators: Mary Van Valin

Oct 21, 2015 |

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.

Clean Energy Innovators: Jim MacInnes

Clean Energy Innovators: Jim MacInnes

Sep 21, 2015 |

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.

Letter to Lansing on SB438: Let Energy Innovators Lead

Letter to Lansing on SB438: Let Energy Innovators Lead

Sep 2, 2015 |

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.

Phony Energy ‘Markets’ Need Mandates from Lansing

Phony Energy ‘Markets’ Need Mandates from Lansing

Jun 23, 2015 |

The debate among state lawmakers over how best to update Michigan’s renewable energy policies reveals a stark difference. Some in Lansing are loath to actually require our monopoly utilities to add more renewables or help customers cut energy waste. But others insist that only strong legislation that forces utilities to provide additional clean energy will get the job done. History favors the pragmatists.

Guest View: About the Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Guest View: About the Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Jun 15, 2015 |

Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. Many leading climate scientists and economists assert that the best first-step to reduce the likelihood of catastrophic climate change from global warming is to enact Carbon Fee and Dividend legislation.

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