Michigan Receives 2009 Interstate Renewable Energy Council Innovation Award

Contact: Mario L. Morrow 517-373-9280

Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

OCTOBER 27, 2009 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Michigan has been awarded the 2009 Interstate Renewable Energy Council's Innovation Award for its clean energy leadership through the state's Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).

Each year, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) recognizes individuals and organizations that have implemented innovative projects during the past year that promote and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies. This year, IREC's innovation through state government leadership award went to Michigan for the creation of DELEG as a way for the state to strategically rebrand itself and aggressively compete nationally and internationally in the development of advanced energy technology. The award was made in conjunction with the 2009 Solar Power International Conference held in Anaheim, California on Monday, October 26th.

"With the creation of the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth in December of 2008, all of our renewable energy and energy efficiency programs were now aligned under one roof." Granholm said. "We were keenly aware of the challenges and rewards of a new green economy. And as the state that put the world on wheels, we wanted to be the state that revolutionizes the way we fuel our cars and power our homes."

Through Executive Order 2008-20, Governor Jennifer Granholm reorganized several State of Michigan departments to create the Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth, and named the Director of DELEG, Stanley "Skip" Pruss, as the Chief Energy Officer for the state. As Chief Energy Officer, Director Pruss has been charged by the Governor to promote the use of renewable energy, the development of advanced energy technologies, and the implementation of energy efficiency measures in Michigan.

"The new energy economy is Michigan's greatest opportunity to create thousands of new jobs, attract new investment, and diversify our economy," Pruss said. "It is an honor for Michigan to be recognized for our leadership in this area."

For more information about the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, please visit www.michigan.gov/deleg.

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