In a bid to accelerate the diversification of Michigan's economy, and establish the state as a national leader in renewable energy innovation, Governor Jennifer Granholm called for a $100 million public-private partnership to attract alternative energy companies to the Great Lakes State. The governor announced the proposal in her 2007 State of the State Address.
"This new industry, so critical to our economy, our national security, and our environment, is already setting up shop in Michigan," Gov. Granholm said. "With other states clamoring for this opportunity MIchigan cannot afford to wait."
Minnesota, for example, supported more than 10,300 jobs and sparked $2.77 billion in economic activity by promoting the ethanol industry in 2006. If the current trends hold, the state expects to support as many as 18,000 jobs with a $5 billion ethanol industry by 2008.
The governor also asked state lawmakers to adopt the goal of generating 10 percent of the state's energy from renewable sources by 2015; expand alternative energy renaissance zones to lure solar and wind companies; and establish 1,000 ethanol and biodiesel fuel pumps across the state by 2008.
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Source: Office of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm; Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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