September 24, 2009
September 24, 2009
Forum Focus on Green Economy, New Energy Jobs
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Michigan will host the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) Jobs and Energy Forum in Detroit October 6 and 7.
The forum will highlight actions states are taking to make the Midwest the clean energy center of the United States by taking advantage of the region's vast natural resources, manufacturing expertise, and highly skilled workforce. In addition to several Midwest governors, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke will participate in the forum.
"Clean energy is an opportunity that the Midwest is capitalizing on as states continue to be leaders in driving innovation and economic growth," said Granholm, who is chair of the MGA. "We are focusing on ways to create jobs in this new energy economy, both in Michigan and across the Midwest."
At the forum, governors will unveil regional agreements that serve as a basis to help attract investment in clean energy and ensure that the region has a workforce prepared for the new jobs that will be created. They are also expected to sign an energy infrastructure accord to identify steps that states will take to build clean energy infrastructure.
The leaders will also discuss the energy roadmap, specific recommendations made to the governors by subject-matter experts outlining the best way to accomplish the objectives of the energy security and climate stewardship platform of 2007. Additionally, the forum will allow participants the opportunity to examine and discuss state efforts to create jobs in the new energy economy, review recommendations made by MGA energy advisory groups, and hear from regional and international experts on ways the Midwest can be a national leader in job and energy creation.
"The MGA's Jobs and Energy Forum will enable Midwestern states to build on our collective regional strengths to be leaders in the clean-energy economy," Granholm said. "I look forward to welcoming everyone to Detroit and hope participants enjoy everything Michigan has to offer during their stay."
The forum, which is open to the media and public, will take place at the MotorCity Hotel in Detroit. For more information, visit www.midwesterngovernors.org/summit.htm . Media who plan to cover the forum need to RSVP to Emily Marthaler at: emarthaler@csg.org .
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