Posted: June 27th, 2008, 8:00am PDT
Long before the current run-up in gas prices, we declared Michigan's intention to lead the nation in alternative energy production. We know alternative energy is good not only for our environment - it can also reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil. But most importantly for us, alternative energy will result in jobs for Michigan workers and is at the heart of our strategic plan to diversify and grow our state's economy.
That's why this week's announcement by the Massachusetts-based Mascoma Corporation that it will build one of the nation's first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plants in the Upper Peninsula near Sault Ste. Marie was greeted with such excitement.