Governor in the News

DETROIT FREE PRESS / THE LANSING STATE JOURNAL / WZZM:  TOM WALSH:  Jobs seen from trip to Japan:  Granholm meets with Toyota, energy firms

Gov. Jennifer Granholm concluded a three-day visit to Japan today, saying there is "a very good likelihood" that at least nine of 23 companies she met with will decide in the next few months to create jobs in Michigan by locating or expanding in the state. "We did more prospecting this time, meeting with companies we hadn't visited before, particularly in alternative energy, battery and wind power companies," she said in a telephone interview fromNagoya. . . . Granholm said energy bills approved Thursday by the Michigan legislature gave the state a boost in its efforts to attract such alternative-energy companies.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080920/COL06/809200377/1081  

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080921/NEWS01/809210635/1001/NEWS

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=98763&catid=2 

AP / THE LANSING STATE JOURNAL / CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS / Granholm Meets With Japanese Companies

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080917/NEWS01/809170404 

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/business-17/1221672855263840.xml&storylist=newsmichigan 

THE BAY CITY TIMES :  Energy plan paves way for new power plant in Hampton Township

The state House and Senate passed the energy legislation after about 16 months of negotiations. Gov. Jennifer Granholm, on a trade mission in Japan, said she plans to sign it. . . . The sole remaining hurdle to building a new plant in Bay County, and the estimated 1,800 construction jobs it would create, is an air pollution permit now before the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Holyfield said. . . . Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, was a lead negotiator of the measures passed Thursday. State Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, also was involved. "We're excited and we're happy this is coming to a close," Mayes said. . . . Environmental groups applauded the legislation as a significant "first step." "Michigan ratepayers currently send $24 billion annually out of state to buy fuel from other nations and states," Lana Pollack, president of the Michigan Environmental Council, said in a statement. "This legislation will keep some of that money here paying Michigan contractors, engineers and installers and financing the construction and operation of wind turbines, solar power systems and alternative energy ventures." . . . Mayes said he hopes the legislation will allow Granholm to bring back good news from her trip to Japan when she returns on Saturday. The governor has said the renewable energy standard could help her lure foreign investors here.  http://blog.mlive.com/bctimes/2008/09/energy_plan_paves_way_for_new.html

THE FLINT JOURNAL :  Sweden's King XVI Gustaf supports plan to bring biogas plant to Flint, Michigan

Earlier Friday, the 62-year-old king, the seventh monarch of the Bernadotte Dynasty, is expected to speak at an energy summit in Dearborn, which Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm also will attend. His trip to Michigan has been planned for some time after Granholm invited him. "I got a very nice invitation from the governor ...," the king said from a room featuring intricate gold accents lining the walls. "I said this sounds very interesting. It's very tempting."

http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/09/swedens_king_xvi_gustaf_suppor.html

THE FLINT JOURNAL :  A Swede solution:  Biogas fuels cheaper, cleaner transportation

At 13 fueling stations in the Linkoping area you'll find another fuel in the mix - biomethane. It is an odorless gas that can fuel vehicles and boasts boasts better fuel economy, costs less and burns cleaner than regular gasoline. . . . Officials with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Kettering Provost Michael Harris are meeting in Sweden this weekend to go over more details about the plant, just before Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf's scheduled Friday visit tothe university. . . . The Michigan Strategic Fund Board meets next week to vote on whether a Flint Center of Energy Excellence -- which includes a partnership among Swedish Biogas International, the city of Flint and Kettering -- will be created.

http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/09/a_swede_solution_biogas_fuels.html

AP / DETROIT FREE PRESS:  Colleges help students get ready for close-up

Some Michigan colleges have been retooling their curriculum as Hollywood heads to the state to take advantage of lucrative tax breaks for filmmakers. . . . Michigan Film Office Chief Operating Officer Tony Wenson says the office expects to add a manager of job training, education and development by next month. That person would coordinate with the state's higher education institutions to meet needs. Filmmakers have been flocking to Michigan since April, when Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the package of bills into law.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-57/1222079394316630.xml&storylist=newsmichigan 

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080922/NEWS06/809220317 

THE DETROIT NEWS / DETROIT FREE PRESS:  U.S. stimulus package urged:  Granholm, Levin back extending jobless benefits, boosting Medicaid funding

But White House press secretary Dana Perino reiterated President Bush's opposition to the Democrats' approach. . . . In a call with reporters, Granholm said, "This is the time for the federal government to step in and help citizens. ... We've seen them step in to bail out or to help out Wall Street. Now they need to step in and help out Main Street."  http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080916/POLITICS/809160352

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080916/BUSINESS01/809160382/1014/BUSINESS01

AP:  Detroit auto execs ask Pelosi to fund loan program

In a separate letter, 10 governors, led by Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, urged congressional leaders to fully fund the loan program. "Doing so will help create green jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and move our country toward energy independence," the governors wrote. Nine of the governors are Democrats and one - South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds - is a Republican.

http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2008/09/detroit_auto_execs_ask_pelosi.html

AP / THE DETROIT NEWS / DETROIT FREE PRESS:  Levin, Granholm urge passage of stimulus plan

Senator Levin and Governor Granholm said on a teleconference with reporters Monday the plan should help states such as Michigan recover from the loss of hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs and help rebuild roads and bridges. Democrats want the plan to extend unemployment benefits, help states meet the demands for Medicaid and promote the research and development of alternative energy sources. Granholm is departing Monday on a five-day trade trip to Japan to try to bring jobs to Michigan.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-57/122149645812690.xml&storylist=newsmichigan 

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080915/POLITICS/809150417/1361

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080915/NEWS15/80915050

THE DETROIT NEWS :  Granholm:  No need to panic about gasoline

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080913/BIZ/809130360/1001/LOCAL

WLAJ:  Granholm Says No Gas Gouging

"In the wake of the attacks of Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina, a few opportunists tried to take advantage of Michigan citizens by significantly raising prices without justification," said Granholm. "Those opportunists were prosecuted, and anyone who tries it now will be prosecuted too."

http://www.wlaj.com/news/gas_13129___article.html/granholm_michigan.html

WZZM:  Granholm:  Stiff penalties for gas gouging during Hurricane Ike

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/most_popular_story.aspx?storyid=98473&provider=top

THE KALAMAZOO GAZETTE / BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER / THE LANSING STATE JOURNAL / AP / etc.:  Granholm warns price gougers that they will be prosecuted

http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-30/122127962813700.xml&coll=7

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9000594&nav=0RcdTTj9

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080913/NEWS01/80913001/1002/NEWS01

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080913/NEWS01/809130338/1001/NEWS

http://www.mlive.com/news/saginawnews/index.ssf?/base/news-27/1221283215121560.xml&coll=9

http://www.themorningsun.com/stories/091308/loc_fear.shtml

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/28338989.html

http://www.lenconnect.com/news/x2090107166/Drivers-line-up-at-gas-stations-officials-say-no-need-to-panic

http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/28335754.html

THE STATE NEWS (Michigan State University):  Granholm addresses importance of bioenergy on campus Friday

Granholm acknowledged the role biofuels and other energy will play, harping on the pitfalls of dependency on oil. "Even though oil is down to $100 a barrel, you're going to see gas prices go through the roof," Granholm said of oil with Hurricane Ike threatening to hit oil refineries in the Gulf Coast. "In light of that, isn't it a lot wiser to invest … in long-term solutions that keep our energy here?"  http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2008/09/granholm_addresses_importance_of_bioenergy_on_campus_friday

DETROIT FREE PRESS :  Op-Ed by Michigan Environmental Council and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council:  New rules offer effective progress on water protection

Michigan's water laws signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm are a groundbreaking, positive step that will protect our water resources for generations to come.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080915/OPINION01/809150312

BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER :  Op-Ed by Butch Hollowell:  A defining moment for no-fault insurance

Since 1989, Michigan's rates have skyrocketed 69 percent - the fastest rate of increase in the nation. . . . The bottom line is that the more we are required to pay for unaffordable insurance, the less we have to spend on things like groceries and prescription drugs. This year, Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm created the Office of the Automobile and Home Insurance Consumer Advocate to fight for affordable, reliable and fair auto and home insurance in Michigan. As insurance consumer advocate, we will start by: . . . In the insurance debate, improved rules mean lower rates. And the winners are the consumers.

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080914/OPINION02/809140301

MIDLAND DAILY NEWS :  Granholm signs Moolenaar's solar tax credit legislation

"There is a renaissance taking place right now in solar energy development, and Michigan is perfectly positioned to be the epicenter of innovation," Moolenaar said in a prepared statement. "The Saginaw Valley could become the new Silicon Valley, where we see a flourish of high-tech job creation." Moolenaar's office reported that very few American companies are building solar components and that Michigan can use its manufacturing base to create a new economic development boom. Hemlock Semiconductor, already expanding in Hemlock, is majority-owned by Dow Corning Corp. and is the world's largest producer of the material needed to make solar energy cells. "Just as Ford Motor Company paved the way for the state's storied automobile industry in the early 20th century, Hemlock Semiconductor in the early 21st century could usher in a new era of manufacturing in Michigan that is centered right in our backyard," Moolenaar's statement said.  http://www.ourmidland.com/articles/2008/09/12/local_news/1267110.txt

http://www.mlive.com/saginawnews/business/index.ssf/2008/09/lawmakers_move_to_entice_solar.html

DETROIT FREE PRESS :  Granholm pushes for energy mandate to interest Japanese firms:  She leaves Monday for Japan on trade mission

Granholm said it's more difficult to convince wind turbine manufacturers and other renewable energy firms to Michigan without a state blueprint that mandates a partial conversion to renewable energy by 2015. "For those doing wind manufacturing, they want to know Michigan has made a make a commitment that a percentage of our energy will come from renewable sources," Granholm said.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080911/NEWS06/80911043

MICHIGAN PUBLIC RADIO:  Alternative Energy Backers Angry With State Lawmakers

Renewable energy supporters like Brandon Knight rallied outside the state capitol building today to protest the stalled energy plan. "Not sure why the Senate is acting the way they are. The House passed pretty decent legislation, all the way back in April. We were actually here when the House passed that legislation," says Knight, "It's very frustrating as citizens, with the confusion. What does it have to be so confusing?"

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/michigan/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1363253&sectionID=1

THE DETROIT NEWS :  Dems push worker relief:  House bill would extend unemployment benefits and add extra time for those in distressed states like Mich.

Liz Boyd, spokeswoman for Gov. Jennifer Granholm, said Granholm is pushing for the new extension. "We had pushed for additional weeks for hard-hit states in the earlier extension. We definitely support this. It's absolutely critical for workers dealing with joblessness," Boyd said.

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080912/POLITICS/809120329

THE OAKLAND PRESS :  Editorial:  Filmmaking tax credits showing positive results

Evidence continues to mount that Michigan's new tax incentives for filmmakers who produce their movies here are working. For example, right here in Oakland County, the film "Youth in Revolt" and the pilot episode of ABC's "The Prince of Motor City" were shot during the summer at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills. . . . And what is encouraging is that there may be other filming there. Shannon O'Berski, Meadow Brook Hall's marketing coordinator, reports that many other inquiries about using the hall have been made their way to the Michigan Film Office. In fact, tours have been given to several movie scouts as result. . . . We hope filmmakers continue to examine Michigan and decide to film here. Wouldn't it be nice, in these times of budget reductions, if soon the only time we hear "cut" in Michigan is during film production on a movie set.  http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/090908/opi_20080909344.shtml

WWJ / AP / CRAIN'S DETORIT BUSINESS / DETROIT FREE PRESS:  Governor Looking To Attract Jobs From Japan

Just hours after Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick criticized her for putting him at the top of her issues, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm announced plans to take a five-day trade trip to Japan. Granholm said Friday morning that she will visit 23 companies in four cities on the trip that begins September 15th. "I'm announcing this morning that I'm heading to Japan....to attract them to Michigan so we can get about the business as we have been of diversifying this economy," Granholm told WWJ's Roberta Jasina and Joe Donovan. Such trips are part of Granholm's effort to try to recruit high-tech, alternative energy and homeland security businesses. "Our motto is that we're going to go anywhere and do anything to bring jobs to Michigan," Granholm said.

http://www.wwj.com/Governor-Looking-To-Attract-Jobs-From-Japan/2914389

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-57/1220616244271930.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

http://crainsdetroit.com/article/20080905/FREE/809050297/0

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080906/BUSINESS07/809060305

THE BAY CITY TIMES :  Editorial:  Stop clowning around and get serious about energy legislation

Republicans in Congress and the Michigan House of Representatives took a turn for the weird last month after their legislative leaders adjourned for summer break. . . . Seeing that circus in Congress, Michigan Republican House members thought, what a neat idea! They staged their own little drama in August to complain that Democrats closed down Lansing without passing important energy legislation. Pay no attention to the fact that it was the all-too-usual months of haggling between both Republicans and Democrats in Lansing that brought progress on renewable energy standards and electricity regulation to a screeching halt. This was high political theater, dragged down to a childish level. Now that summer is over, we urge leaders in both Washington and Lansing to get serious and efficiently settle these energy issues.

http://blog.mlive.com/bcopinion/2008/09/stop_clowning_around_and_get_s.html

JACKSON CITIZEN PATRIOT :  Editorial:  Energy package:  It's a top priority

Summer recess and national political conventions have delayed action on a crucial package of energy reforms in the Michigan Legislature. As both chambers resume session on Tuesday, hopes are high for a resolution of the issue. That's important, not just to those of us in the hometown of one of Michigan's two major utilities, but to every resident of the state. . . . The energy package would permit only 10 percent of the utilities' sales to be open to competing providers. That leaves 90 percent guaranteed to the utilities. Based on Consumers Energy's own experience under choice, we believe this is a prudent change. If you disagree, and the Legislature fails to make this policy shift, don't complain 10 years down the road when power is rationed because the utilities didn't have the stable customer base to warrant building a new plant. . . . The debate is between 7 and 10 percent. In principle, this is a no-brainer. Of course the utilities should move in this direction. In fact, they already have been doing so. We like the idea of pushing a little harder for a worthwhile goal. But it is the challenge of lawmakers to avoid setting goals that would cause energy bills to spike and the business community to vote with its feet against doing business in a high-cost state. That is the risk if an unrealistic goal is set. It has been clear for some time that deregulation of this industry has not produced the desired results. Therefore, we urge the Legislature to work out their differences and send an energy bill to the governor that will assure this state an affordable power source in the future.

http://blog.mlive.com/citpat_opinion/2008/09/energy_package_its_a_top_prior.html

MICHIGAN BUSINESS REVIEW :  Editorial:  Michigan poised to be leader in alternative energy

In Ann Arbor - associated with the annual Michigan Business Review "Innovation" event - New York Times author Thomas Friedman will discuss his new book, "Hot Flat and Crowded" for an audience of at least 2,000 at an expanded Washtenaw Economic Club speaking event. And on Sept. 18, a special project looking at "The Business of Green: Michigan's Alternative Energy Future" will be distributed in this publication. All of this sets the stage this fall to build on the rest of year's efforts - including Gov. Granholm's announced plan to make Michigan the nation's leader in alternative energy technology. . . . Michigan takes significant criticism for its policies and politics. Yet in the alternative energy movement, we see unparalleled signs of success and collaboration.

http://www.mlive.com/businessreview/annarbor/index.ssf/2008/09/in_our_opinion_michigan_poised.html

DETROIT FREE PRESS :  TOM WALSH Column:  Job-creation breaks OK'd today:  May supply 6,800 positions
A flurry of job-creating expansions and other activity for two months does not constitute a full-blown rebound for Michigan's still-troubled economy. But Granholm does see it as a response to more robust incentives for attracting business in advanced energy, military and other growing sectors. "And we've had a more aggressive outreach by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to attract different kinds of businesses," she said in an interview Monday.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080819/COL06/808190388
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080819/BUSINESS06/808190346

THE DETROIT NEWS :  Plans create Michigan jobs
Granholm announces 20 projects with $658M in investments that keep or retain work for 9,500.
Calling it "an incredibly great day for Michigan," Gov. Jennifer Granholm unveiled 20 projects Tuesday that, she says, will generate more than $658 million worth of new investments and create, or retain, 9,500 badly needed jobs. . . . Granholm bragged that Michigan beat out 15 other states and two countries for the array of developments that can help the state further diversify its struggling, auto-dominated economy. They will result in "all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people," she said.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/BIZ/808200343/1022/POLITICS

CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS / AP: Granholm announces $658 million in investments
"Today's announcement is a great announcement for those who are seeking jobs in Michigan, and for Michigan's economic future," said Gov. Jennifer Granholm at a Tuesday press conference where executives, local government officials and economic developers filled the room. "More jobs ahead is certainly great news for a state that has been challenged."
http://crainsdetroit.com/article/20080819/REG/233981647/0
http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/business-17/1219166060136770.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS :  Michigan announces tax breaks to help create 9,500 jobs
Several of the 20 projects statewide are in alternative energy, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said in a conference call. "We are aggressively pursuing those, like the wind turbine welding at Genzink Steel," Granholm said. . . . "There's no other way to put it: This is wonderful news," McGeehan said. "I want to stand up, on behalf of Holland, and thank the MEGA board.
http://www.mlive.com/grpress/business/index.ssf/2008/08/michigan_announces_tax_breaks_1.html
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/business/x411734326/State-tax-credits-will-allow-businesses-to-expand-create-hundreds-of-jobs
http://www.mlive.com/businessreview/oakland/index.ssf/2008/08/2_firms_to_get_tax_hearings_on.html
http://www.mlive.com/businessreview/annarbor/index.ssf/2008/08/ypsilanti_redevelopment_up_for.html

http://blog.mlive.com/kzgazette/2008/08/granholm_expected_to_announce.html

WILX / WLNS / THE LANSING STATE JOURNAL:  Granholm Announces 9,000+ New Jobs
"We have these 15 universities producing these wonderful graduates and we now have places for them to land with jobs," said Granholm as she motioned to the business leaders behind her. "(Yes, we're) creating a knowledge economy, but creating all kinds of jobs
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/27159364.html
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=8867200&nav=menu25_2
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/NEWS03/808200344/1004/NEWS03

THE MACOMB DAILY / CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS:  Macomb workers utilize retraining
College plays big role in No Worker Left Behind
Triggered by the loss of high-paying manufacturing jobs, particularly in southeast Michigan, state officials, led by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, created the No Worker Left Behind initiative. . . . "Macomb County is a leader in our effort to train 100,000 Michigan workers for good jobs," Granholm said in a prepared statement. "With the hard work of our Michigan Works! agencies and their innovative partners like Macomb Community College and local employers, No Worker Left Behind will put thousands of workers in to new high-wage jobs in the years ahead." . . . "Turning Michigan into the leading state in green jobs can't happen unless we train our workers," Cooley said. "We've had to change what we do and how we do it."
http://www.macombdaily.com/stories/081908/loc_local01.shtml
http://crainsdetroit.com/article/20080818/REG/808189982/-1

THE LANSING STATE JOURNAL :  Editorial:  Venture funds are risk worth taking
In dire economic times, doing whatever it takes to bolster businesses and provide jobs is a top priority. But in business, there are perils. That's why plans to invest a small stake of the state's pension funds in venture capital is both a smart move and a risky one. Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced late last month that the state will use $300 million of $58 billion in pension fund assets to create two business development efforts.
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080821/OPINION01/808210330/1086/OPINION01

DETROIT FREE PRESS :  Editorial:  State must fix its weak reach on future power
Negotiations over an electricity re-regulation package, combined with an energy efficiency effort and a push toward alternative power sources, have risen to the big players - Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Speaker of the House Andy Dillon and Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop. Yet the boundaries of the debate are limited, between a barely adequate energy package passed by the House and a disastrous Senate version. Is a law that re-regulates the utility industry, mandates more alternative energy sources and promotes energy efficiency really that scary? Arguments that alternative sources will lead to unacceptable rate increases for electric customers, the chief stumbling block according to Bishop's office, are fragile at best. . . . House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, noted that the House package evolved from hours of talks among all stakeholders, but now he feels as if he's starting from scratch in talks with Senate leadership - including listening to a demand for a huge unspecified tax cut. "What they are ignoring is the cost of doing nothing," Dillon said, adding that Michiganders have become more attentive to the state energy debate as gasoline costs have risen. "If we don't plan, we'll be at $4-a-gallon electricity." . . . Granholm has consistently touted the advantages, and jobs, that will come Michigan's way with a strong renewable portfolio standard. She and Dillon have to at least hold firm if not raise the bar. The big utility companies, meanwhile, have played along because they want re-regulation, which gives them the financial stability they need to build new plants. Michigan can benefit from a more stable, re-regulated electricity market, but only if rules for new generating sources go hand-in-hand with the sheltered market the utilities seek. . . . Even stodgy Ohio has set tougher standards than Michigan is contemplating. Why cede them that power?
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/OPINION01/808200340/1069

THE FLINT JOURNAL :  Editorial:  Swedish king's upcoming visit reflects positives of area
But the king of Sweden's upcoming visit to Kettering University is likely to generate exactly the kind of national media attention of which those who've continued to believe in the city's rebirth can be proud. King Carl XVI Gustaf will be in Michigan for two days next month at the invitation of Gov. Jennifer Granholm and is expected to visit Kettering on Sept. 26. The king has a keen interest in alternative fuels. . . . The university has been working with state and local officials on plans to construct a Swedish Biogas International plant in Flint. Such a plant would convert human waste into vehicle fuel and other energy sources. The Biogas International plant in Linkoping, Sweden, which employs 1,100 people, has been in operation for 15 years, turning waste into biomethane to fuel buses. The hope is to expand the use of biogas for other purposes, which is where the Flint area and Kettering come in. . . . As we said in a previous editorial, Flint has a chance to once again take a world leadership role in a high-tech endeavor that can create jobs and change the economic landscape here and elsewhere. These are indeed exciting times.
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/voices/index.ssf/2008/08/flint_journal_editorial_swedis.html