In 1925, Henry Ford predicted that cars rolling off his assembly lines would someday be fueled by vegetation “like that sumach out by the road, or from apples, weeds, sawdust – almost anything.” [1] Nearly a century later, renewable, plant-based fuel is on its way to becoming a large-scale reality. This weekend, the Michigan Energy Fair at the Manistee County Fairgrounds represents a milestone for the sustainable energy movement and the vendors powering it. Environmentalism will no longer be seen as an economic deterrent –- it is now a driver of economic growth. Michigan’s auto heritage and our historic commitment to protect Michigan’s natural resources can combine to make Michigan the focus for a huge phase of future development around renewable energies.
The Energy Fair, featuring alternative energy pioneers from across the country sharing their vision of a renewable future, shines a bright spotlight on the work being done in Northwest Michigan to promote cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy. In addition, the fair holds the promise of Northwest Michigan becoming a nexus for good-paying, year-round jobs in the high-growth field of renewable energies. It’s an incredible combination for Northwest Michigan: by building on our commitment to preserving the beauty of this region, we have the opportunity to create good jobs in an emerging economic sector.
In order to fulfill the promise of the Energy Fair, however, we as a state need to strengthen our commitment to doing everything we can to promote alternative energy production, distribution, and consumption. As a starting point, the legislature should pass bills that require all gas sold in Michigan contain at least 10% ethanol and all diesel contain at least 5% biodiesel. These simple steps would dramatically increase demand for these alternative fuels, creating a market-based incentive for increased production.
We should also offer incentives to help facilitate a distribution network for high-percentage ethanol and biodiesel-based fuels. Ford, Chrysler, and GM executives have said they can produce renewable-powered vehicles as fast as the public will buy them. We need to act now to ensure that there is an infrastructure to power these cars once they are out on the road.
To fulfill the promise of this weekend’s Michigan Energy Fair, our state legislature must act immediately to create an environment in which renewable energy entrepreneurs can flourish. Targeted tax incentives to companies locating renewable energy businesses and projects in Michigan can help make Michigan a renewable energy hub for the United States. With Michigan’s storied past as an automobile innovator and protector of natural resources, we can capitalize on the Michigan Energy Fair to help Michigan become a job creator and leader in the promise around renewable energy.
[1] “Ford Predicts Fuel from Vegetation,” New York Times, Sept. 20, 1925, p. 24.
