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.

EPA's State and Local Climate and Clean Energy Program recently launched a new online Financing Program Decision Tool and a Financing Program Decision Guide to help communities finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The Financing Program Decision Tool is designed for state and local government leaders in the early stages of choosing a clean energy financing program. Answer a handful of simple questions and the Tool highlights quickly the most promising program options for your jurisdiction to pursue. The Financing Program Decision Guide complements the Tool. This Guide includes the basics on financing-program options, as well as key considerations and factors for states and communities to weigh as they start up or expand their clean energy financing programs. Access the Financing Program Decision Tool and Financing Program Decision Guide.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator with the Center for 21st Century Communities and the Green Communities Challenge. Contact him at lforrest@mml.org, 734-669-6323 or @l4est.

The Michigan American Security Project is concerned that the effects of global warming and climate change will have a negative impact on Michigan’s industries. They make this point in a their report “Pay Now, Pay Later: Michigan.” The report also makes a case for encouraging renewable energy industries in Michigan. And it concludes with an argument that Michigan has a lot of potential to grow and develop its renewable energy sector.

I get the impression that one of the challenges researchers faced creating the report was probably the fact that “the effects of climate change...are difficult to predict with precision,” the report concedes. However, they took a look at scientific and economic data, research, and scholarship to take an educated stab at predicting how the effects of climate change might impact Michigan’s industries. 

The report concludes that “Michigan faces significant losses in industries crucial to its economy if no action is taken to combat the effects of global warming.” In particular, they are worried about manufacturing and shipping, agricultural and forestry, and tourism, as well as other Michigan industries. It also makes a case for renewable energy industries in the state, and shares some statistics that suggest that Michigan is in a unique position to grow the sector, save residents money, and create jobs. 

“If we give Michigan’s population, businesses, and investors clear and consistent signals by properly offering initiatives and cultivating demand, investment and innovation in renewable technologies will follow,” the report concludes. 

Jennifer Eberbach is a professional journalist and writer. Find contact information on her website www.jenthewriter.info