Small businesses want clean energy

MUSKEGON- West Michigan Jobs Group, a grassroots organization of small business owners and community leaders, has endorsed the statewide ballot initiative to strengthen Michigan's renewable energy standard to 25 percent by 2025.

West Michigan Jobs Group was formed with the express purpose of luring sustainable and job creating industries to West Michigan and supporting independent businesses.

"The renewable energy industry already puts people to work, sustains innovative and growing businesses in West Michigan and gives us opportunities to export goods worldwide," said WMJG President Eric Justian. "West Michigan Jobs Group sees the ballot initiative as critical to maintaining and building upon the momentum of the renewable energy industry in Michigan."

Nearly 30 other states have renewable energy standards at or above 25 percent, including Ohio, Illinois and Iowa. It's estimated the Michigan ballot proposal will generate 56,000 jobs for Michigan workers and $10 billion in new investment.

"Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy and we appreciate their support of this proposal," said Mark Fisk, spokesman for Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs. "The increased investment and jobs from this initiative will make a difference for businesses in West Michigan and across the state."

The Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs initiative is collecting petition signatures to put a higher renewable energy standard before voters this November. The proposal would require 25 percent of Michigan's electricity to come from wind, solar, biomass or hydropower by 2025.

The Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs campaign continues to provide and updated list of supporters at www.mienergymijobs.com.