The "National Strategy for Homeland Security" issued in July, 2002 identifies eight major initiatives including the development of a "National Infrastructure Protection Plan". 

A report issued in February, 2003 "National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets" addresses electricity sector challenges.  The report stresses the import of building a less vulnerable grid as a means of protecting our Nation's electric infrastructure.  Department of Homeland Security "HMS" spoke to the necessity of the electricity sector to "Develop Strategies to Reduce Vulnerabilities."

Section 1817 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 "EPACT" called for the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study of the potential benefits of cogeneration and small power production, otherwise known as Distributed Generation or "DG", which applies to energy systems that produce electricity at or near the point of use such as a Net Metering System.  The results of that study "The Potential Benefits of Distributed Generation and Rate-Related Issues that May Impede Their Expansion" was released in February, 2007.  Specific areas of potential benefits studied included reduction in vulnerability to terrorism and improvements in infrastructure resilience. 

Michigan GREEN and Educational leaders throughout Michigan are challenging state officials on Senate Bill No. 213 that allows utility companies to charge additional costs to schools and other institutions for generating their own renewable energy.

Currently, tremendous differences in state energy policies have created a disjointed or non-existent national strategy regarding renewable energy.  At this time of unprecedented volatility in the world energy market, a looming recession, and continued financial instability nationwide, most states and school systems face dire challenges to their budgets.  Unfortunately, at this time when maximum flexibility is needed, most states and school systems find themselves saddled with laws and regulations that prevent the adoption of attractive options for reducing their energy and operating costs through renewable systems.  Such options may be available at no cost to the taxpayers given willing investors and the financial incentives already in place.

ESCANABA - Small businesses in Delta County are encouraged to become more energy efficient by participating in a free energy audit of their facilities. The offer was presented during a seminar on energy conservation at city hall Wednesday.

A total of 30 small business energy audits are being funded through a grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC), announced Kevin Cook, consultant for Michigan GREEN (Group for a Renewable Energy Efficient Nation).

More than two dozen business people and other interested persons attended the meeting sponsored by the Delta County Joint Governmental Committee. Many signed up for the Delta Green Energy Audit program.

Delta GREEN will officially kick off operations on August 6 at the Small Business Energy Conservation Symposium being held at Escanaba City Hall. The green community partnership is being funded by a Michigan Public Service Commission grant and Michigan GREEN, an Escanaba-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Doug Russell, Michigan GREEN Executive Director, will also direct Delta GREEN. An exciting facet of the new program will be the opportunity for Delta County businesses to receive FREE energy audits to help them save energy and money. Project funding, if needed, will also be available through the Michigan GREEN Fund.