For Friday, Oct. 27, 2023

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1 – According to a report released by a national business group called E2, Michigan leads the Midwest region in the number of clean energy workers. 

The report was recently highlighted by state officials. It says clean energy jobs in Michigan grew by 4.6 percent in 2022. Clean energy businesses added more than 5,400 workers, employing a total of almost 124,000 people. 

Michigan’s fastest-growing sector was clean transportation with 14.4 percent growth, adding more than 4,000 new jobs for a total of more than 32,000 workers. 

The energy efficiency sector led in total jobs, with more than 75,000 workers in Michigan. 

The report is based on data from the U.S. Department of Energy.

For a breakdown of clean energy jobs in Michigan and other Midwest states, see CleanJobsMidwest.com.

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2 – Michiganders are thirsty for more than water. 

Thousands of free well water testing kits were offered up by the state earlier this year, funded by $5 million from the Legislature. 

Officials say the kits sold out in a week after news reports about the freebies. 

Extreme Heat Analysis, Consumers Energy Dams and Free Well Water Testing

More than 1.1 million Michigan households rely on wells, with 15,000 new ones drilled every year.

State environmental officials say low-cost testing kits are still available. They range in price from $16 to test water for bacteria to $124 for a complete metals test. 

For more info, look for a Private Residential Water Well Testing page online at Michigan.gov.

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3 – Consumers Energy is getting $100 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to strengthen Michigan’s electric grid. 

The utility says the money represents a “huge step” to reduce the number and length of power outages across the state. It’s called a “system hardening” project. 

Consumers says it will use the federal funding to strengthen the backbone of its electric system in disadvantaged communities. The utility plans to replace poles and equipment, and add technology to detect and respond to outages.

The $100 million to Consumers comes from Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants. The utility will match the spending with another $100 million. 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard on Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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