Dianda reports on energy legislation

IRONWOOD - State Representative Scott Dianda, D-Calumet, spoke Tuesday evening at the Memorial Building in Ironwood about energy in the U.P. and the future of the area based on energy types.

Ironwood was the last of three stops this week in the U.P. to discuss energy reliability and the best price possible for the energy. He also spoke with a groups in Houghton and Marquette.

Joining Dianda were House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel and Michigan Natural Resources Commission Chair J.R. Richardson of White Pine.

The discussion started with a short PowerPoint presentation by Dianda's Constituent Relations Director Trevor Belger on the legislation surrounding energy in Michigan and the possible energy alternatives based on natural resources.

Dianda, Greimel and Richardson then each spoke on their ideas for future energy solutions in Michigan before opening the floor to pubic discussion and questions.

"I really think that we need to plan things so that we are using the best of our natural resources, our environment, our people and our money," Dianda said.

A main focus of the discussion was the importances of community involvement in the decisions being made by the legislature, and that without civilian involvement, the changes that need to be made won't happen.

"It is very important for all of you, the community, to be very vocal and contact not just your state representative and your state senator, but legislative leaders and the governor," Greimel said.

"I know people always wonder, 'OK, does anyone pay attention when I call this representative's office?' and the answer is we actually do pay attention to that," Greimel said.

"We really don't hear very often from people on these issues. If we hear from 15 or 20 people in Michigan, it's a really big deal because it doesn't happen very often."

These energy issues will be discussed in Lansing over the next few months quite extensively and with the hope to change legislation on how energy is produced and sold in lower Michigan and the U.P., Dianda said.

The goal is to provide reliable energy at an affordable price in order to boost the economy and infrastructure in the U.P., and attract more businesses to the area while maintaining renewable and efficient energy, he said.

Richardson implored those present to reach out to the Michigan legislative members.

"You have to be vocal," Richardson said. "Be loud and proud. If you're not loud and proud no one is going to know what's really going on and nothing will get resolved. Speaking up makes all the difference in the long run."