If you live in Bay, Saginaw or Midland counties and are interested in the development of a regional renewable energy plan, there's an important upcoming event for you.
A public input meeting on the Great Lakes Bay Regional Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Renewable Evergy Strategy is planned for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20 at Saginaw Valley State University. It's located in the Emeriti Room in Curtis Hall.
The strategy addresses issues like conservation, reduction of energy use, and the improvement of energy efficiency in buildings and transportation infrastructure in the Bay region.
Tom Miller, Jr., economic development specialist for Saginaw Future, says it has the long-term goal of both reducing waste and helping the region develop new energy industries.
"The goal of building an energy strategy for the region is to reduce energy waste and develop demand for renewable energy alternatives that will benefit residents, businesses, government and civic organizations," says Miller. "The results will be a more e-friendly regional community with significant savings through energy efficiencies and new opportunities in renewable energy industries."
The strategy is in draft form right now and
available online for review beforehand. It's been developed by Bay, Saginaw and Midland counties and other stakeholders in a regional energy plan, and patterned on the three counties' successful partnership on regional economic development.
"This energy strategy effort fits nicely with the regional successes and initiatives that are already in place, like the Great Lakes Bay Regional branding, solar attraction efforts and uniting the Convention and Visitors Bureaus. A regional strategy will also allow us to be eligible for state and national assistance as funding becomes available for green projects," Miller says.
Public input is important for the strategy, to help set priorities and plans to accomplish energy conservation and renewable energy goals.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Tom Miller, Jr., Saginaw Future
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