All the fussin’ and fightin’ over Michigan’s energy future hits a crucial round today or Wednesday: The state House votes on two lousy energy bills, HB 4297 and HB 4298. So it’s time to give your state rep a well-informed earful about clean energy.
Clean Energy Innovators: Mary Van Valin
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
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.
Horses, Buggies, and SB438: Senate bill would kill state’s clean energy leadership potential
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.
Letter to Lansing on SB438: Let Energy Innovators Lead
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
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.