Granholm Says Michigan On Cusp of Green Industrial Revolution

LANSING – In her weekly radio address, Gov, Jennifer Granholm Friday recognized this week’s celebration of Earth Day, pointing out that Michigan is using every tool at its disposal to encourage home-grown renewable energy sources that will improve the environment and create jobs.

“We are in the early stages of a green industrial revolution – everywhere across this nation and the globe, companies are racing to meet the demand for products that save energy and reduce use of foreign oil,” Granholm said. “Thanks to all of our great W’s – wind, wood, water, workforce, wheels from the automotive industry, and even waste – Michigan is better positioned than perhaps any other state in the nation to turn our country’s need to preserve the environment and reduce energy costs into jobs and economic growth.”

Granholm also acknowledged bipartisan support for a comprehensive energy package in the state House and urged the Senate to move quickly to adopt an innovative Renewable Portfolio Standard – or RPS – that will help jumpstart the growth of alternative energy in Michigan.

“Passing an RPS is a critical first step to making Michigan a leader in this transformative industry,” Granholm said. “Companies that make alternative energy technology are looking to grow and expand in states that have made a commitment to use renewable sources for their energy needs. So this week, the state House passed a strong, comprehensive energy package, and I am anxious to work with the Senate so we can enact this legislation at the earliest chance. The longer we go without an RPS, the more companies will choose places other than Michigan for their growth.”

The governor’s weekly radio address is released each Friday morning and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state. The address is available on the governor’s Michigan,Gov.Gov for download, together with a clip of the quote above. The radio address is also available as a podcast on the Web site, as well as on iTunes and via RSS feed for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.

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