Tuesday, February 14, 2006

AP Wire | 02/12/2006 | Alternative energy bills proliferate in Legislature
My first blog entry this morning was a story from the south, reported by a local Michigan TV channel. It's only fitting that this story about Michigan is reported by the Miami Herald. Go figure. But, I digress...

This ran in the Press last night, back by the obituaries of course- anything that smacks of cooperation or progress for the state takes a backseat here in DeVos land.

It's an important story, one that will pull our fat out of the fire, so to speak...

LANSING, Mich. - With gasoline prices routinely topping $2 a gallon and home heating bills soaring, it's trendier than ever to talk about alternative energy sources.

It even creeps into discussion at the state Capitol.

Both Democrats and Republicans have introduced a flurry of bills aimed at energy conservation or reducing dependence on imported oil. Some of the proposed legislation seeks to boost Michigan's economy in the process.

Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm raised awareness of the issue in last month's State of the State address. She said Michigan, home of the automobile, had a "patriotic duty to be the state that ends our nation's dependence on foreign oil."

Michigan universities have been plugging away at alternative energy sources for years. Students at the University of Michigan, for example, enter solar car competitions. Michigan State University is a leader in developing energy and other products from the state's farm crops.

Granholm said that, in the months ahead, a statewide partnership will be formed among the alternative energy research and development institutions in Michigan. The alliance could build off a new $1 billion investment fund that encourages business growth in four areas - alternative energy; life sciences; homeland security; and advanced automotive, manufacturing and materials.

Democrats and Republicans alike say they were encouraged by Granholm's alternative energy pitch. But they say the state needs to develop a more organized, long-range plan sooner rather than later.

Gee, if we had just followed Jimmy Carter's lead 30 years ago, this wouldn't be such a problem now, would it.

Oh well, I'm glad to see some action happening, and glad to see everyone excited and working together. This is the future, and we are poised to be out in the lead...bless Granholm for having the vision to start the ball rolling.