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Governor Granholm Joins Midwest Governors in Taking
Bold Action on Energy Security, Climate Stewardship

Statement of Michigan Groups Attending the
Midwestern Governor's Association Summit

November 15, 2007

Milwaukee, WI --- Michigan conservation, environmental and faith-based organizations today applauded Gov. Jennifer Granholm and six other Midwestern leaders for taking bold action to revitalize communities, create new jobs and protect our natural resources at today's Midwestern Governors Association Summit on Energy Security and Climate Stewardship.

Granholm, along with five other governors and a Canadian premier, signed the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, which commits the states to develop a regional carbon cap and trade agreement to reduce global warming pollution. The agreement must be developed within a year.

The accord is an essential step forward to protect Great Lakes water and wildlife, which are already seeing the impacts of climate change, and to position the region's economy to prosper in a carbon constrained future.

The governors agreed to limit greenhouse gas emissions and to substantial increases in renewable energy, low-carbon fuels and energy efficiency. The governors also committed to develop infrastructure and expertise necessary to propel the next generation of biofuels and carbon capture and storage. This detailed package of actions addresses the critical issue of climate change, will generate thousands of new jobs, and will reduce energy costs.

Yesterday Granholm also issued an executive order establishing a Michigan Climate Advisory Council. She charged it with making recommendations to her by December 31, 2008. This is an additional step toward aligning Michigan's economy with the need to reduce carbon emissions.

A 2007 Next Energy and MEDC Study concluded that a strong commitment to clean energy by Michigan will spur 19,000 new jobs. The Renewable Energy Policy Project ranked Michigan 4th highest nationally in manufacturing job potential in the renewable energy sector.

The Midwest agreements come as federal lawmakers consider national energy and climate policy. Such regional agreements provide momentum and models for national policies.

Representatives of Michigan groups attending the summit include:

Charles Griffith, Auto Project Director, Ecology Center, 734-223-9092

Zoe Lipman, National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Office, 734-834-9344

Kim Pargoff, Environment Michigan, 310-429-9160

Paul Zugger, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, 517-303-9019

Also available for comment in Michigan:

David Gard, Michigan Environmental Council, 517-487-9539

Father Charles Morris, Midwest Interfaith Power & Light, 734-552-0104

For more information:

Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord [PDF]

Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform for the Midwest [PDF]

Emissions Pact Wins Backing

 

 

 

 

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