Last week, Governor Granholm signed a package of legislation that moves Michigan forward on the path to becoming a global leader for alternative and renewable energy. The legislation reduces the gas tax by 36% on ethanol-based fuel and by 20% on biodiesel, as well as providing incentives for service stations that carry these renewable fuels. Finally, Granholm approved a measure that creates new agriculture renaissance zones to jumpstart additional ethanol and biodiesel plants. This is a great start and I’m pleased that the governor is leading on this important issue.

 

As I’ve blogged about earlier, we can do more to make Michigan a center for renewable energy production and innovation. As we saw in the success of the recent Michigan Energy Fair, we have the visionary local leadership necessary to make our region a destination for renewable energy pioneers and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, taking the lead in this exciting new area will lead to additional job creation. In addition to the jobs created by renewable energy companies themselves, these companies will need strategic partners such as energy lawyers, venture capital investors, accountants, and business and marketing consultants. This can create the type of solid economic base necessary for our communities to thrive.

It’s an exciting time to live in Northwest Michigan. While our state is facing real challenges in transitioning from the automotive legacy that drove our 20th Century prosperity, opportunities like that found in the renewable energy sector provide real promise for the future. It’s up to us to fulfill that promise.