Earlier this year, Michigan was in a dither because Iowa's caucuses were first in the nation and everybody was just sure that meant Michigan and everybody else would be irrelevant in the presidential nominating process. We all know how that has worked out.
But there is something Michigan could beat Iowa at if the state's lawmakers would put their minds to it.
Generating wind power.
Right now, Iowa claims to be third in the nation in wind-generated electricity (behind California and Texas.) A later ranking puts them fourth, with Minnesota having sneaked in ahead of them.
Michigan is 30th.
According to the state's Department of Natural Resources, Iowa has three major commercial windfarms and plans for a fourth, as well as installations at institutions such as schools.
And the state is only the 10th windiest place in the country.
Come on, Michigan. Are we going to let ourselves be outdone by Iowa again? Let's get busy building wind farms and ... What's that you say, Governor Granholm and the Democrats have suggested that? And Republicans in the Senate blocked the proposal?
Looks like Iowa wins again.
1 comment:
Great point, Judy - there's no reason Michigan should take a backseat to Iowa when it comes to wind energy. And, unlike Iowa, we already possess the infrastructure required to build the wind turbines that will someday power America. With our great workforce, existing tool and die shops, and the Great Lakes for shipping those giant turbines to market, there's no better place to make this stuff than here. As Governor Granholm proposed, we need to pass a renewable portfolio standard so we can watch this investment start to flow -- or, more aptly, blow -- into Michigan.
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