May 21, 2009
May 21, 2009
Goals are to create thousands of new green jobs, reduce oil dependence
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today joined 29 other governors in pledging to work with Congress to pass federal climate change legislation.
The bipartisan group of governors signed a document supporting a comprehensive federal policy that addresses energy and climate change and a strong state-federal partnership in implementing new policies.
"Michigan, like other states across the country, is already acting to limit greenhouse gas emissions by investing in a clean-energy economy that will create thousands of new green jobs," Granholm said. "I am proud to join my fellow governors in supporting federal climate change legislation and urge Congress to work with us to develop a strong partnership as we create new jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."
The U.S. House of Representatives is currently considering climate change legislation. The Senate is likely to take up similar legislation later this year.
In her 2009 State of the State address, Granholm announced a goal for Michigan to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels 45 percent by 2020. Numerous initiatives, including passage of a state renewable portfolio standard last October, will help Michigan reach this goal.
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