Gov. Snyder Issues Order Creating Michigan Energy Agency

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder is creating a state agency devoted to coordinating energy policy decisions.

The executive order signed Wednesday creates the Michigan Agency for Energy in 60 days and moves some functions from other agencies under its purview.

The Republican governor first announced his plan to create the agency in January.

Snyder says he's appoint deputy legal counsel Valerie Brader to head the new agency. She's his senior adviser on energy issues,
Snyder proposes replacing retiring coal-fired power plants with cleaner sources of electricity such as natural gas and wind.

The energy agency will be housed in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and assume some responsibilities of the Public Service Commission and Department of Environmental Quality. The Michigan Energy Office also will be transferred to the agency.

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