MCEF Leadership Council Members offer their support to the Governor’s plan

Lansing – Leadership Council members of the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum (MCEF) all had the following supportive statements to make about Governor Snyder’s Clean Power Plan announcement:

Hank Fuhs:
MCEF Leadership Council and Secretary, Michigan Republican Party

“Governor Snyder has shown tremendous leadership in positioning Michigan to be a leader on renewable energy and the jobs that economic sector represents. This bold step will help to create a strong clean energy future, and shows that Republicans can contribute positively, and lead, on clean energy policy.

As a veteran, I know the more we can do to protect our energy security, the more we can contribute towards a strengthened national security, and help keep our sons and daughters in the military out of harm’s way.”

Mark Huizenga:
MCEF Leadership Council and Mayor of Walker

 “Congratulations to Governor Snyder for his bold leadership in announcing that Michigan will develop its own Clean Energy Plan. This step will help ensure that Michigan is deciding Michigan’s energy future.

The reality is, renewable, clean and efficient energy businesses and jobs are now part of Michigan’s economic infrastructure – this is our future, and we need to protect the amazing progress we’ve made as a state. Thank you Governor Snyder for leading on clean energy.”

Jim MacInnes:
MCEF Leadership Council and CEO, Crystal Mountain

“As a business owner, I know first-hand the importance of energy to the bottom line, and to our ability to hire new employees.

Governor Snyder’s announcement that he will work with stakeholders to develop a Michigan Clean Energy plan, and not leave our future it in the hands of Washington bureaucrats is the kind of leadership we need.

Developing clean energy policy that protects ratepayers, ensures reliability and diversifies our energy production should be our top goals – and I pledge my support to work with the Governor to ensure we are moving forward on energy policy to the benefit of the people of Michigan.”

Ed Rivet:
MCEF Leadership Council Member, Michigan Conservative Leader

“As Governor Rick Snyder has now shown, conservatives can lead on Clean Energy and provide meaningfully to the discussion.

Conservatives have ideas and solutions to the energy challenges of today and tomorrow – I’m very happy that Governor Snyder is showing the leadership we need to transition the state towards a clean and renewable energy model which will build our future.”

Keith den Hollander:
MCEF Leadership Council Member and Chairman, Christian Coalition of Michigan

“On behalf of the Christian Coalition of Michigan’s 110,000 members, I congratulate Governor Snyder on taking bold action to move Michigan forward, “said Keith den Hollander, Chairman of the Christian Coalition of Michigan. “The state’s renewable energy sector already supports 6,000 jobs, and we’ve seen over $2.2 billion in renewable energy investment. We now rank 5th in the nation in clean energy and transportation jobs - and we are poised to do much more.

“The Christian Coalition applauds Governor Snyder’s leadership on clean energy – for our national security, economic security and family security. We believe that support for clean energy is pro-life and pro-family – and we look forward to supporting the Governor’s stakeholder process to develop a forward-thinking plan that is Pure Michigan.”

Gabe Leaf:
MCEF Leadership Council Member and Senior Advisor, University of Michigan College Republicans

“Protecting our energy future, and transitioning toward clean energy solutions are important issues to the young people of Michigan. We are excited to see Rick Snyder – a Republican governor – showing real leadership to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in Michigan.

College students also care about employment – and the Governor’s initiative will grow Michigan’s expanding clean energy economy and jobs, helping to insure our talented young people can stay and contribute to our state’s bright future.”

Dean Berden:
MCEF Leadership Council Member and President, DB Solar, Inc.

“Thanks to Governor Snyder’s leadership, Michigan’s renewable energy sector is vibrant and gaining momentum – we’re now 5th in the nation for creating clean energy jobs. These aren’t hypothetical jobs – they are here, now.

Businesses like DB Solar are now in every community in every county in Michigan. We are producers, innovators, entrepreneurs, installers, electricians – we are transforming Michigan’s economy. We look forward to working with Governor Snyder to help create a Clean Energy Future that reduces high energy costs for Michiganders with sustainable alternatives."

About MCEF: The Michigan Conservative Energy Forum is an organization comprised of conservatives who believe that Michigan should adopt a true “All of the Above” energy policy that includes an increase in our commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency.  MCEF believes encouraging diverse and local energy production and reduced energy waste will create jobs and stimulate Michigan’ economy, reduce our reliance on foreign energy, improve our national security, and protect our valuable natural resources.  http://www.micef.org/