Michigan

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm with Michigan Apollo Coordinator Dana Sevakis and Apollo Chair, Phil Angelides

CONTACT

Michigan Apollo Alliance

Dana Sevakis
sevakis (at) apolloalliance.org

MISSION: The Michigan Apollo Alliance brings together a diverse coalition of interests from the business, environmental, labor and community perspectives who are working together to promote quality jobs and a cleaner, more secure energy future for Michigan. We seek to devise and support policy initiatives and reforms that will reduce dependence on foreign oil; cut carbon emissions; help America lead in clean energy innovation and manufacturing; and create a new generation of well-paid, green-collar jobs for people across America. Michigan’s world-class manufacturing infrastructure and workforce poises the state to become a leader in providing parts for renewable energy equipment, train workers for green-collar jobs, promote conservation, innovation and use of renewable energy.

AGENDA: Together, the organizations that make up the Michigan Apollo Alliance are pursuing a “Good Jobs, Energy Independence, Make it in America” policy agenda. The Michigan Apollo Alliance will work to enact policies that achieve or facilitate the following:

• Develop a robust renewable energy manufacturing sector in Michigan by providing incentives and access to capital for companies diversifying into clean energy
• Ensure state government leadership on energy efficiency and other state policies that will drive demand for the clean energy economy in the state
• Train Michigan workers in advanced energy skills, from installation to engineering, and create green career pathways for workers transitioning into this new economy

MICHIGAN SPECIFICS: Michigan is uniquely positioned to lead and profit from its emerging clean energy economy. Not only does the state have the potential to harness wind, solar and other renewable resources for its own use, but has long standing advanced manufacturing expertise and supply chains, which can help make Michigan a leader in producing those systems. With its combination of outstanding universities, community colleges and a skilled labor force, Michigan has the ability to attract a variety of high-tech employers and expand opportunities for small business and entrepreneurs.

• In the past two years, 14 Michigan based manufacturing companies were awarded a total of $35 million in clean energy advanced manufacturing grants and loans. The loans, funded by Recovery Act funds, will help companies invest in new technologies, diversify into the clean energy sector and create jobs.
• Michigan has seen over $5.7 billion in investment in advanced batteries since January of 2009, which will help create 54,000 new jobs in the state.
• The Saginaw Bay and Midland areas of the state are becoming the Silicon Valley of solar development in Michigan. $3.27 billion has been invested in the sector from 2004 – 2010.
• The state currently has over 100 companies in the state involved in the wind energy sector with over $200 million in investment.

Source: Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth

PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• In October of 2008 the Michigan Apollo hosted a successful rollout event of The New Apollo Program in Detroit.
• Policy advocacy for the 2008 state package of clean energy bills including a Renewable Portfolio Standard and Energy Efficiency Standard.
• Helped roll-out the ReEnergize MI platform of statewide clean energy policies:
  7/29/09: “Democrats propose more incentives for renewable energy jobs”
• Advocated for the passage of the IMPACT Act and the importance of Michigan’s manufacturers:
  8/4/09: Detroit News Op/Ed – “Turn energy into new Apollo project”
  8/28/09: Macomb Daily – “Teaming up to deliver clean energy”
  9/4/09: Advisor and Source Newspapers – “Green Plans Bring 20-30 New Jobs”
  10/16/09: Detroit News Op/Ed – “Michigan needs clean energy manufacturing jobs”
• Partnered with MI Apollo Steering Committee member Corporation for a Skilled Workforce to produce “Mapping Green Career Pathways: Job Training Infrastructure and Opportunities in Michigan” to identify components of Michigan’s workforce development infrastructure that can be better integrated and scaled up to help fill jobs in the clean energy sector (released January 2010).
  2/16/10: Detroit News – “Special Letter: Adapt courses for green jobs training”
• Worked with NextEnergy to host a sold out event entitled “Making Michigan a Clean Energy Winner: Policy Opportunities for Businesses”, which brought out more than 125 business leaders, policy makers and advocates working on clean energy in Michigan.

WHAT’S IN THE WORKS

• Continued advocacy for the passage of a comprehensive climate and energy bill that includes incentives for manufacturers, including the IMPACT Act.
• Continued support for the passage of statewide clean energy policies such as an increased Energy Efficiency Standard, a Low Carbon Fuel Standard and a Feed-in-Tariff to help build markets for renewable energy and its products here in Michigan.
• Help engage Michigan’s manufacturers and renewable energy businesses in the passage of national and statewide clean energy legislation

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS