Clean Energy Technology = Jobs in Michigan
A report issued Monday by the Center for Climate Strategies says a plan proposed by the Michigan Climate Action Council would create 129,000 new jobs over the next 15 years while also cutting household energy prices according to a report issued yesterday by the Center for Climate Strategies. The 54 recommended climate policy strategies focus on clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency, industrial process improvements, transportation improvements, forestry and agriculture conservation, and waste management. Read a related article from the Detroit Free Press here.
A press release issued by the DEQ quoted Director Steven E. Chester in response to the macro-economic study showing the positive effects of enacting the recommendations of the Final Report on Michigan’s economy:
“This economic study confirms that we can have both a healthy environment and a healthy economy. As documented in the study, implementing policies that reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, promote energy efficiency, and increase the use of renewable and alternative energy will improve the quality of our environment, grow Michigan’s economy and create thousands of jobs.”
The analysis was conducted by Dr. Steve Miller of Michigan State University, and Dr. Adam Rose and Dr. Dan Wei of the University of Southern California, together with the technical team of the Center for Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) a nonpartisan, non-profit organization that has assisted 22 U.S. states with climate action plan development.
"This study is great news. Smart policies that protect the environment and reduce carbon pollution can and do create good jobs, keep energy costs in check, and inject vitality into Michigan's economy," said Chris Kolb, president of the Michigan Environmental Council and Michigan LCV Education Fund Board Member. "We know that green jobs and clean energy were among the only sectors of Michigan's economy that added jobs in the past several years. It's vital that we continue establishing strong policies that reward the kinds of decisions called for in the Climate Action Council recommendations."
"The Michigan Climate Action Council's recommendations underscore Michigan's opportunity to be a national leader in environmental stewardship while creating thousands of jobs and a tremendous amount of economic value for the state," said Dr. Gregg Zank, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Dow Corning Corporation and a member of the Michigan Climate Action Council. "Dow Corning and its joint venture Hemlock Semiconductor Group have invested $5 billion in the past 5 years in the research, development and manufacturing of solar materials - with most of that investment right here in Michigan. A vibrant alternative energy industry is emerging in this state, and it is critical that we build the policy and business climate in Michigan to sustain this growth and encourage new investment."
The macro-economic study can be found online at: http://www.climatestrategies.us/ewebeditpro/items/O25F22416.pdf. A summary of the report’s findings is also available online at: http://www.climatestrategies.us/ewebeditpro/items/O25F22417.pdf.
