LANSING, Mich.--Following the announcement today by Colorado’s Governor that a company will create 1,350 new jobs there manufacturing wind turbine blades, Senator Dennis Olshove (D-Warren) is calling for action on Michigan’s energy legislation. More than twenty other states have passed similar legislation with strong renewable portfolio standards and are enjoying the outcome through increased jobs and businesses.

“We’re getting closer on a final agreement for our energy legislation, but not fast enough,” said Sen. Olshove, Minority Vice Chair of the Senate Energy Policy and Public Utilities Committee. “There’s no reason Michigan workers couldn’t be manufacturing wind turbines and other renewable energy technology if we would just put the strong standards in place to make it happen. I hope my colleagues will recognize Colorado’s announcement as a wake-up call that every day without an agreement equals jobs lost.”

Vestas, a prominent renewable energy company, recently announced they will be expanding and building two new factories to create manufacturing efficiencies in Colorado, who passed a strong renewable portfolio standard in 2007. Michigan businesses, including Dowding Industries in Eaton County, have argued that they would also be able to invest in new jobs with an aggressive RPS standard in place. More on the Colorado announcement can be found here: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/15/vestas-add-1000-jobs-colorado/

Both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives have passed versions of the renewable energy package, however, there has not been a resolution and the legislation continues to await a compromise.

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