Radio Address: Michigan’s New Green Economy
This week’s radio address takes a look at the three sectors in the renewable energy industry that Michigan will target in our efforts to diversify our state’s economy.
Hello, this is Governor Jennifer Granholm.
For years people have thought of Michigan as part of the old rust belt. Today, we’re changing the color of rust – to green. As in, green energy, green vehicles, and other green technology products. For Michigan, growing a green economy means realizing we can no longer depend on the industries that once were our bedrock. That was painfully demonstrated this week, with more auto suppliers declaring bankruptcy, and the GM bankruptcy looming as well.
To prosper again, we must change. John F. Kennedy said, “Change, is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future”. We are not going to miss the future here in Michigan – in fact, we’re seizing it.
Michigan is going to lead a green industrial revolution in our nation. We’ll be a beacon that guides this country along the path to energy independence. Our state has the manufacturing infrastructure, the skilled workforce, the universities, and the natural resources to do it. Michigan will design and manufacture fuel-efficient cars, advanced batteries for electric cars, wind turbines, solar panels, and more.
In partnership with the Obama administration, Michigan is focusing on three key areas in our new green economy. One is advanced batteries. We’re going to create an entire new industry that designs and manufactures advanced batteries for green vehicles. To make Michigan the worldwide center for advanced battery manufacturing, we’ve created the world’s most aggressive tax incentives for these companies to locate here. Additionally, the federal Recovery Act earmarks $2 billion dollars for advanced batteries, and five Michigan companies are bidding for portions of those funds.
Another green sector we’re targeting is wind manufacturing. We’ve got a huge opportunity to diversify our manufacturing companies into this fast growing industry. Wind turbines need exactly the things that Michigan is the best in the world at making: gear boxes, brakes, drive trains, and carbon fiber moldings. Most wind turbines are now made in Europe, and they’re shipped to Midwestern ports like Duluth, for the US market. With Michigan’s location on the Great Lakes, we can ship wind turbines faster, and at less cost.
Solar manufacturing is our third area of focus. Two of the world leading solar manufacturers already have operations in Michigan, and our first of it’s kind state tax credit will attract other companies in the solar manufacturing chain to Michigan as well.
Already our green energy initiatives have launched 43 projects, representing $6.4 billion dollars in investments, and 19,000 jobs created or retained. Through our continued partnerships with the federal government and the private sector, we are witnessing the dawn of a new green economy in Michigan.
Thank you for listening.
