Michigan Politics
Granholm Alternatively Energized
By George Weeks

While still struggling with the Legislature for an overdue resolution of budget woes, Governor Jennifer Granholm has embarked on a nine-city tour to tout what she sees as a "win-win" undertaking for both parties - building an alternative energy industry in Michigan.

And, indeed, she acknowledges that Republicans are among those providing innovation and leadership toward achieving what is the rallying cry of travel that brought her here last week and will conclude sometime next month in Escanaba:

"Michigan is the state that put the world on wheels, and with some hard work and a solid plan, we will be the state that revolutionizes the way we fuel our cars and power our homes."

In an interview over lunch at the Amical restaurant, she raved about Michigan being uniquely positioned to generate energy from "W" assets: "We have wind, water, wood, waste, a workforce. We also have solar."

She sees Michigan as joining California and Texas as the Big Three of states generating energy from wind. That's not without controversy, as underscored by local spats in such places as Huron County, where a largescale park of turbines is scheduled to begin generation in December.

Sitting by a window from which whitecaps on Grand Traverse Bay could be seen, Granholm cited the potential of tapping energy from the waves of the Great Lakes, whose "dismasting blasts," as described by Herman Melville in "Moby Dick," are "as direful as any that lash the salted wave."

That potential is well down the line. But when it comes to current development of renewable/alternative energy sources, examples of success abound in Michigan, including companies that she has visited in Traverse City, Cassopolis, Grand Rapids, and Detroit. Her focus in the Upper Peninsula will be on wood products.

Representatives Howard Walker (R-Traverse City) was among lawmakers cited by Granholm as helping on the issue.

Senator Jason Allen (R-Traverse City), whose home is on the increased "green rate" for electricity generated by a wind turbine in Leelanau County, authored aspects of the Michigan Next Energy Authority Act in 2002.

Allen called the alternative energy industry "a prime example of the type of emerging technology which can be vital to the rebirth of the Michigan economy."

Earlier this year, Granholm went to Sweden, an international leader in alternative and renewable energy, to seek links with companies that might create jobs in Michigan. She announced a Sweden-Michigan Alternative Energy Summit to take place early next year.

In related developments last week, Granholm:

• Issued an executive order establishing a Michigan Climate Advisory Council, calling it an additional step toward aligning Michigan's economy with the need to reduce carbon emissions. She did not announce appointees.

Republican State Chairman Saul Anuzis opined that the council "should include a couple of scientists. Not just left wing political hacks."

• Joined others in the Midwest Governors Association in signing an agreement for joint action to reduce energy consumption, emphasize renewable energy, and curtail greenhouse gas emissions.

Said Granholm: "We in the Midwest are prepared to lead an industrial revolution (with) energy policies that will transform our rust belt image into the nation's hub for alternative energy."

President Lana Pollack of the Michigan Environmental Council called the signing in Milwaukee "a banner day for the Great Lakes basin."

Meanwhile, back in Lansing, Granholm needs a banner day for a budget deal.

Presidential Polling

In the latest statewide polling of likely Michigan voters, Granholmbacked Senator Hillary Clinton has increased her substantial lead for the Democratic presidential nomination, and ex-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has a slight lead over Michigan native Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts.

The EPIC/MRA poll of 400 Democrats conducted for the Detroit News/WXYZ-TV and released Friday gave Clinton a 49-18 lead over Illinois Senator Barack Obama statewide, and 41-32 in the North regional sub-sample covering the Upper Peninsula and the northern lower.

Among 400 surveyed Republicans, Giuliani had a statewide 28-25 lead over Romney, and 25-15 among northern respondents.

Northern Borders

The debate on immigration in Washington, and in the presidential campaign, has centered on our border with Mexico.

Representative Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), in joining a bipartisan coalition of 80-plus lawmakers to introduce legislation last week to strengthen enforcement and employment verification, said this:

"There are parts of our northern border where the only security after 5 p.m. is an orange traffic cone. All Americans care about our nation's security, but we often forget about the security shortfalls on our northern border."

Well said.

George Weeks retired last year after 22 years as political columnist for The Detroit News. His weekly Michigan Politics column is syndicated by Superior Features.