Governor talks energy, environment in live webcast hosted at MAREC

Nearly 60 people from West Michigan filled a seminar room at Grand Valley’s Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center November 28 to hear a live webcast of Gov. Rick Snyder's vision for the state on energy and the environment.

People from West Michigan businesses and organizations, including the Sierra Club, Muskegon Chamber of Commerce and Grand Valley, listened to Snyder’s messages on the importance of preserving Michigan’s natural resources, such as the Great Lakes and the land, and also focusing on alternative energy and how the state can leverage it.

Snyder suggested areas of improvement and focus throughout the state, such as recycling processes in counties, urban farming and preserving the state’s trails, among others.

“Now is the time to be proactive,” Snyder said. “We are the comeback state and now it’s time for us to step up on important issues like energy and the environment. Today we’re starting a dialogue that will result in action.”

Arn Boezaart, director of MAREC, said he was glad MAREC had the opportunity to host Snyder’s presentation and bring together energy and environmental professionals from across West Michigan.

Snyder delivered his message at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners in Kalamazoo. MAREC was one of three locations in Michigan chosen by Snyder’s office to virtually host his presentation; the other locations were in Detroit and Traverse City.