December 21, 2007 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) Director Keith W. Cooley today announced that four grants, each up to $60,000, have been awarded for education projects related to energy efficiency, solar energy, and wind energy.

"Developing alternative sources of energy is critical for our nation in the 21st century," Granholm said. "These grants are consistent with our goal to be a leader in environmental protection while at the same time bringing new opportunities, economic development, and thousands of high-tech jobs to our state."

"These education projects benefit Michigan's economy and lessen our dependence on foreign oil," Cooley said. "By helping consumers save energy dollars, our citizens will have more to invest locally. Additionally these programs link buyers with Michigan retailers and installers, which is a win-win for businesses and consumers." 

• Michigan State University will receive $59,902 to conduct a wind energy project that will include wind energy fact sheets, workshops for farmers on how to apply for federal grants, a wind farm development guide, and help on community wind energy projects. Community wind projects are locally owned and are sized to meet the needs of a school or town. 
• The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, a non-profit organization in Dimondale, will receive $60,000 and will conduct a Go Solar educational and group purchasing project in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Oakland County and southwest Michigan. 
• Urban Options, a non-profit in East Lansing, will receive $60,000 and will work with retailers to promote compact fluorescent lights (CFL's) and provide incentives for up to 20,000 CFL's. 
• WARM Training Center, a non-profit in Detroit, will receive $60,000 to promote Energy Star homes and conduct training sessions for contractors and subcontractors in the residential construction business.

Funding for these projects is made available from a U.S. Department of Energy grant to the Energy Office. The four projects were selected through a competitive process open to non-profit and public organizations.

Contacts:
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Assoc., Jennifer Alvarado (517-646-6269, jennifer.alvarado@glrea.org)
Michigan State University, Dr. Stephen Harsh (517-353-4518, harsh@msu.edu)
Urban Options, Aileen Gow (517-337-0422, aileen@urbanoptions.org)
WARM Training Center, Robert Chapman (313-894-1030, bobchapman@warmtraining.org)
John Sarver, Energy Office (517-241-6280, sarverj@michigan.gov)