Renewable Energy Economy: Michigan's Mixed Energy Use Plan

Michigan’s Governor challenged the State’s energy providers in March 2015 by calling for 40 percent of the state’s power to come from a combination of renewable energy and energy waste reduction. More natural gas use alongside an increase in renewable energy sources is envisioned for Michigan’s energy future. Additionally, there has been much discussion on how these energy goals might be accomplished with emphasis on related technology innovation and economic opportunities. The May 18 forum will consider how emerging technologies, pricing of various fuel sources and new and developing policies are changing the infrastructure and landscape Michigan’s energy supply.

Forum Speakers include Ann Erhardt, Michigan State University's Director of Sustainability. MSU has made significant strides in transitioning its energy use practices and is set on becoming a model of energy efficiency. Also joining the forum is Robert Jackson, Director of the Regional and National Response Division for the Michigan Agency for Energy. Mr. Jackson oversees the State Energy Program and is directly responsible for the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Revolving Loan Program, the Industrial E2 Program, and Technology Demonstration. As a once-visiting researcher at the Energy Institute at Haas at UC Berkeley, a previous staff economist with the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and as a former research assistant at Resources for the Future, Soren Anderson will provide an economic perspective. He is currently an Associate Professor of Economics and Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at MSU.