Consumers Energy has launched a safety campaign to make the public aware of the many natural gas pipelines that exist in Michigan communities. Recognizing the importance of this effort, the Michigan Municipal League is helping Consumers Energy spread the word about this campaign.

Because League members and other public officials have authority over land, streets or roads along a Consumers Energy natural gas pipeline, it is very important that they are aware of Consumers Energy’s continuing efforts to keep Michigan communities safe and secure. Your awareness of these pipelines and any unusual activity around them can help Consumers Energy maintain the safety and security in your community. The tips at the Consumers Energy post here provide guidance on how to manage activity around our pipelines, the properties of natural gas and how to determine if there is a leak. These tips are also available as a downloadable brochure.

Go here for more information about the Consumers Energy Natural Gas Pipeline Safety program.

Michigan local governments have a new tool to earn recognition for and measure their progress in implementing energy, economic development and environmental improvements. The updated Michigan Green Communities Challenge uses a rating system to recognize sustainability accomplishments and serves as a guide for communities looking to learn from their peers. Participation is free and open to all local governments in Michigan.

Participating communities earn points for their green initiatives and bonus points for reporting quantitative data. Top achievers will receive emblems to display on their website and promotional documents and a customized press release from the network. All participating communities will be recognized at the third annual Michigan Green Communities conference Friday, November 2 at the Michigan Municipal League’s Lansing office. Register now for the conference, free of charge, at http://mml.org/green/events.php.

To coincide with the launch of the Challenge, Michigan Green Communities will be offering a series of workshops to help local government staff and officials become familiar with the reporting mechanism, an online-based checklist. These workshops should provide ample time for an individual to complete the checklist and Green Communities network members and supporting staff will be present as technical advisors. Essentially, we want these workshops to make it as easy as possible for communities to participate in the Challenge, because the larger we grow, the more opportunities emerge for your community to enhance its sustainability practices.

Workshops are free and open to any local government staff or official. We will be offering workshops September 17 in Farmington Hills, September 24 in Saginaw and September 28 in Grand Rapids. We are also planning additional workshops, as well as a webinar, for the fall. RSVP for a workshop by email here.

September 17 Workshop, 1-4pm

31555 W. Eleven Mile Road

Farmington Hills, MI

September 24 Workshop, 8:30am-2pm

Curtiss Hall

Saginaw Valley State University Main Campus

September 28 Workshop, 1-4pm

DeVos Place

303 Monroe Ave NW

Grand Rapids, MI

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