Though a Trump presidency threatens to roll back progress, the United States has taken major steps to harness green energy. We’re no longer building dirty coal plants; we’re spending on billions of clean energy, here in Michigan and nationwide.

Though a Trump presidency threatens to roll back progress, the United States has taken major steps to harness green energy. We’re no longer building dirty coal plants; we’re spending on billions of clean energy, here in Michigan and nationwide.
Last week was a good one for clean, renewable energy in our town. Traverse City Light & Power signed a contract for more power from a planned wind farm in the Thumb. The contract adds 3.6 megawatts of wind power to the public utility’s energy supply-enough to power about 1,000 homes for a year.
If you like clean energy, you won’t like the two energy bills the Michigan Senate Energy & Technology Committee sent to the floor on May 25. And you really won’t like them if you want more competition among utilities, more renewable energy from your utility, and the freedom to make solar energy on your property.
To most people, “going solar” looks daunting. That’s because, unless you’re an expert, it is. And that’s why today-Earth Day 2016, exactly 21 years after Groundwork was founded as the Michigan Land Use Institute-we are launching Groundwork Shines to help homeowners choose a right-sized, quality solar system for their house; get it expertly installed at a fair price; start protecting the air, water, and climate; and see modest but steady returns from their smart investments.
With the solar industry taking off across the country and Congress extending a big, game-changing solar “discount” now is the perfect time to go solar. Putting a solar system on your home or business is more affordable than ever.
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.