MICHIGAN

Michigan’s economy, facing record oil prices, is hurting. Dependence on fossil fuels such as oil and gas is also leading to increased global warming. Climate change poses a great threat to Michigan, the United States, and the world. If we fail to act on global warming, Michigan could see the loss of 34,777 jobs. (i)

The heart of this problem lies with our reliance on non-renewable sources for our energy needs. Michigan currently gets a majority of its energy from coal. (ii)

By investing in clean, renewable sources, Michigan can put people to work in the clean energy economy.

In Michigan, we have the ability to meet an incredible 132% of our energy needs through renewables. (iii)

Michigan is already working to solve this crisis. By executive order, Gov. Jennifer Granholm created a Michigan Climate Action Council to develop a comprehensive climate action plan for the state. The directive issued by Granholm will require a 10 percent reduction in energy use by the end of 2008. The state will meet this new goal through the aggressive implementation of new energy efficiency measures. The state will also reduce its electrical energy purchases by 20 percent by 2015. (iv)

Michigan is moving in the right direction, but we need strong leadership to take the steps we need to kickstart the new energy economy.

SOURCES:

i. http://www.bluegreenalliance.org/site/c.enKIITNpEiG/b.3417259/

ii. http://getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm

iii. http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Plugging_In_Renewable_Energy.pdf

iv. http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192—180302—,00.html