2018
Rick Snyder became Michigan’s 48th governor when he was sworn into office on Jan. 1, 2011. In energy policy, his “no regrets” policy built on four key attributes: adaptability, reliability, affordability, and protection of the environment. Energy waste reduction has been a cornerstone of his energy policy, as it meets all four of those objectives. His leadership has brought about a number of advances, including championing the legislation that allowed Detroit to do the largest LED streetlighting conversion in the country and creating the annual Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards to spotlight leadership in the area. Michigan’s comprehensive 2016 energy reform legislation, which included increased incentives for and requirements for energy waste reduction programs, gained strong bi-partisan support, securing support two-thirds of the legislators in both chambers.