During a press conference in Lansing, Michigan on Wednesday, Governor Jennifer Granholm suggested that the state should consider lowering speed limit from the current 70mph. Granholm was speaking during the launch of a new state web site designed to help Michigan residents save money. The site includes a calculator that lets users determine how much money they could save by car pooling as well as a service to help match up commuters to share rides. Granholm didn't give any indication of what she thought the speed limit ought to be. It seems increasingly likely that states will start lowering speed limits in the coming months if fuel prices don't subside. On the personal side, Granholm indicated that she and her husband are both driving hybrids and she is riding a bike to the office two days a week.

[Source: Detroit News]

The topic of the Michigan job market and economy is certainly a hot one right now. With the Big 3 going to the bargaining table with the UAW, plant closings and Detroit's declining market share, some insiders might view the proposed increases in fuel mileage as kicking Detroit while it's down. This is the stance that Michigan's governors are taking in talks going on as we speak at the National Governors Association convention. As you may be aware, thirteen states are planning on adopting the toughest emissions and mileage regulations that California is pressing for. While the governors of those thirteen states say that they can understand the problems that are facing Michigan, and Detroit in particular, that they are not going to be backing down from their beliefs that the climate and the environment is more important to them and their voters. This being politics, one might wonder if the tables might turn if their home industries were the ones that would be the most affected by the legislation, but that is a topic for another time.

We have brought you some articles which discuss the possible jobs that could result from tough mileage requirements. As readers of our site, we like to think of you as intelligent, open minded people. So, why not share your own thoughts with us. Do you think that the Michigan industrial job market or the auto industry in general is being unfairly targeted by these new mileage and emissions regulations?

[Source: Detroit News]

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm recently announced that the state will spend $250,000 by 2008 to boost its alternative fuel infrastructure. The program involves the conversion of 1,000 gas pumps to either ethanol or biodiesel across the state. The money is intended to assist gas station owners in paying for up to 75 percent of the cost of converting an existing pump to alternative fuel or 50 percent of the cost of adding a new pump. It roughly costs $2,000 to convert an existing pump while it can cost up to $15,000 to add a new one.

The program was sparked by state representative Neal Nitz who believes that renewable fuels are already making a significant impact on the state's economic recovery. Governor Granholm said that by 2008, once they reach their 1,000 pump goal, Michigan will likely pass Minnesota as the nation's leading distributor of alternative fuels.

Related:

• Minnesota sets monthly record for E85 sales

[Source: Detroit News]