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.
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.
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.
On the evening May 19 at 6 p.m. in MLUI’s large conference room, Lisa Del Buono will speak on behalf of the Citizens Climate Lobby about that group’s advocacy for a national “fee & dividend” on carbon emissions (also described as a ‘carbon tax’).