Gov. Snyder's Energy Efficiency Plan a Step in the Right Direction for Michigan Small Businesses
Statement by Trent Varva, Michigan Outreach Manager for Small Business Majority, on a plan released by Gov. Snyder today that seeks to increase Michigan's renewable energy production and reduce energy waste, which can help cut costs and increase business opportunities for entrepreneurs
Gov. Rick Snyder announced a plan today to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy waste in Michigan within the next decade. This is great news for small businesses, because entrepreneurs believe clean energy measures are good for the economy, the environment and their bottom lines.
The governor's plan includes a goal to increase energy efficiency in the state by meeting 30 to 40 percent of the state's power needs by renewable energy sources by 2025. Additionally, the plan seeks to reduce energy waste and lower the state's dependency on coal. This is a step in the right direction for the state's entrepreneurs, the majority of whom believe investing in clean energy can stimulate the economy and create jobs now.
In fact, Small Business Majority's scientific opinion polling found 57 percent of small businesses agree that Michigan needs a strong clean energy policy that would help eliminate energy waste and replace coal with renewable energy sources to meet the state's energy needs. Another six in 10 agree the expanded use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can have economic benefits for small business owners by creating new business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Small businesses are Michigan's biggest job creators and the backbone of our state's economy. These entrepreneurs are doing everything they can to hire, grow and move their business forward. As part of these efforts, they want pragmatic, innovative policies that help guide them into a modern clean energy economy. We applaud Gov. Snyder's efforts to improve energy efficiency in Michigan and hope the state legislature moves forward with this plan soon.
To request an interview with Varva, contact Kelsey Bye at (202) 289-0957 or email her at [email protected]
About Small Business Majority
Small Business Majority is a national small business advocacy organization, founded and run by small business owners to focus on solving the biggest problems facing America's 28 million small businesses today. Since 2005, we have actively engaged small business owners and policymakers in support of public policy solutions, and have delivered information and resources to entrepreneurs that promote small business growth and drive a strong, sustainable economy. We are a team of more than 30 working from our 11 offices in Washington, D.C. and 9 states, with a network of more than 45,000 small business owners and more than 2,000 business organizations, along with a formal strategic partnership program of more than 125 business organizations, enabling us to reach more than 500,000 entrepreneurs. Our extensive scientific polling, focus groups and economic research help us educate and inform policymakers, the media and other stakeholders about issues including taxes, healthcare, access to capital, entrepreneurship, workforce development, clean energy and immigration. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.