Clean Energy Coalition Awarded Grant to Encourage Renewable Energy in Michigan
ANN ARBOR -- The Clean Energy Coalition has received a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Energy Office to remove barriers preventing widespread adoption of renewable energy throughout Michigan.
Specific targets include inconsistent permitting and zoning policies and practices in municipalities across the state.
These inefficiencies and delays increase costs, making installations cost-prohibitive and ensuring Michigan will continue to lag behind other states in installation of renewable energy systems.
Renewable energy represents a significant opportunity for Michigan's municipalities. According to project lead Heather Seyfarth, "Jurisdictions can encourage local renewable installations and help spur economic activity by simplifying permitting, zoning, and inspection processes. We believe that the use of consistent tools and standards throughout Michigan's municipalities will have a significant impact, further reducing the soft costs of installations and advancing economic activity throughout the state."
The project will focus on developing a robust package of tools for municipalities, including renewable energy guidebooks and fact sheets. Later, a multi-year outreach campaign will raise awareness among municipalities about the availability of these resources and encourage adoption.
Clean Energy Coalition will manage the project with key support from partners including:
* Bay Future, Midland Tomorrow, and Saginaw Future of the Great Lakes Bay Economic Development Partnership
* Dow Chemical Co.
* Michigan Municipal League
* Michigan Townships Association
* Michigan Association of Planning
* Western Michigan University
* Detroit JATC Electrical Industry Training Center
