Can ‘green’ help the economy?
CMU’s public policy forum examines this question
By Barbara Sutherland Chovanec
Panelists at the Griffin Policy Forum this spring on campus called for quick action, creativity, and policy changes as part of Michigan’s reaction to global warming.
Michigan imports fuel, petroleum, gas, and uranium at $30 billion a year for its energy needs, according to James Croce, president and CEO of NextEnergy, a nonprofit organization working to accelerate alternative energy development in Michigan.
“We have a chance to use our indigenous resources,” he said, including wind, sun, and biomass.
CMU’s Griffin Policy Forums are biannual events planned by the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government. This spring’s theme was, “Can Climate Change Heat Up Michigan’s Economy?”
Michael Witt, program director of energy and climate change for The Dow Chemical Co., said state leaders should look for opportunities to lead in alternate energy sources.
“We think Michigan could come up with innovative solutions,” he said, adding that state leaders should seriously consider solar energy, even though critics say it wouldn’t be practical in Michigan’s climate.
“Germany is the biggest producer of solar energy worldwide, so it could be possible here,” Witt said.
The panelists all said that ethanol production isn’t an environmental boon or a long-term solution for Michigan’s economy.
“Ethanol has a temporary role to play as a transitional and fluid solution,” said Lana Pollack, president of the Michigan Environmental Council. “I’m glad the farmers in Michigan did well with ethanol, but I believe it will be a short-lived blip in the rearview mirror.”
Croce said Michigan must act quickly to address environmental and energy needs, and policy changes are needed to make solutions possible.
“Michigan is not expected to lead in a carbon-light economy,” he said. “So we have to be quicker. If we’re serious and want to compete in wind, we need public policy to give us a base to win.”
Pollack said focusing on alternate energies could mean enormous economic and scientific opportunities for Michigan.
“The winners are those who make investment in new energy technologies,” she said. “This generation of students will have a wealth of opportunities.” •
