Clean Energy Jobs Bring Michigan Together

What do wildlife enthusiasts in Northern Michigan and local energy experts and elected officials have in common? Both know just how important it is to transition to a new clean energy economy.

The future of wildlife – from moose to coldwater fish to polar bears – depends on reducing our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. And the jobs created to produce clean energy can repower Michigan’s stalled economy.

The experts at the Michigan Clean Energy Jobs Forum made it clear why clean energy is an alley of hope for our future – both to reinvigorate our economy and to protect wildlife from global warming. There are 8,000 parts in a wind turbine, and guess how many Michiganders can make. 100? 5,000? Nope. We can make all of them, but only with the right tools. That’s why Michigan Senator Stabenow led the discussion on how we transition to manufacturing clean energy.

Senator Stabenow was joined in the forum by experts on energy and land use from around the state. The experts confirmed the need for transitioning to clean energy, and also said that we need everyone’s help turning ideas into action.

Most important, they emphasized, is that people from all walks of life need to reach out to their elected officials and let them know that switching to clean energy and reducing global warming pollution is a priority!

by Danielle Korpalski, National Wildlife Federation