The Snyder Administration recently initiated a public input process to gather feedback about the State's energy policy. Specific areas of focus include the renewable energy standard, energy efficiency incentives and electric choice. We encourage League members to submit their comments before April 25 at http://www.michigan.gov/energy. In addition to the website, there will seven in-person listening sessions in various locations starting February 14 and ending April 22. See http://www.michigan.gov/energy/0,4580,7-230-54408---,00.html for the complete schedule of events. 

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator with the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him by email or on Twitter.

The Michigan Green Communities network is sponsoring a free webinar tomorrow, August 15, featuring the energy financing programs of Michigan Saves. Michigan Saves, a statewide nonprofit organization, is launching a Business Energy Financing Program in partnership with a Michigan lender. This program will build on the success of its existing residential program. Learn how these programs can help residents and business owners in your community. Michigan Saves is also seeking input to help shape a special financing program targeted at municipal lighting and facility energy improvements.

Join the webinar at 10am Eastern by calling 734-794-6099 and using access code 43720. The presentation will be available by clicking this link.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator for the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him by email or Twitter.

Updating a previous item about plug-in electric vehicles, the City of Auburn Hills, Oakland County and the Clean Energy Coalition are hosting an Electric Vehicle Training September 29 at the Auburn Hills Community Center. Community leaders can learn how to prepare for, and encourage, the transition to electric vehicles. Register by clicking here.

The City of Auburn Hills will also be sharing its experiences with electric vehicle policy at the 2nd Annual Green Communities Conference October 28 in Lansing. That event, like the training described above, is free of charge and includes lunch. Register by clicking here.

The US Department of Energy recently announced a grant to Ann Arbor-based non-profit Clean Energy Coalition (CEC) that will help Michigan communities prepare for and encourage adoption of plug-in electric vehicles. CEC will lead a statewide network of organizations, including the League, in a year-long effort to produce a "Michigan-specific guide enabling local communities to support a comprehensive plan for the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles." The project will incorporate state and local level policy implementation, education and outreach. For more information, contact Luke Forrest with League staff at lforrest@mml.org or 734-699-6323. You can also attend a plug-in vehicle conference in Dearborn October 11-13.