The Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program provides grant funds to our coastal communities and partners to assist in the development of vibrant and resilient coastal communities through the protection and restoration of our sensitive coastal resources and biologically diverse ecosystems.  This RFP seeks projects that further the MCZMP objectives of protecting and restoring healthy coastal ecosystems, including fish and wildlife habitat; creating and enhancing public access to the Great Lakes and coastal resources; preserving historic maritime structures; revitalizing urban waterfronts; minimizing the loss of life and property in areas vulnerable to coastal hazards including erosion, floods, and rip currents; conducting research related to the potential impacts of climate change on Great Lakes coastal wetlands; conducting wind energy planning to limit impacts to wildlife, fisheries, and coastal and offshore habitats; and increasing recreational opportunities along Michigan's Great Lakes coast.

Grants are available in amounts up to $100,000 and require a 1:1 local match. Applications are due March 29. Find the full RFP and other information here.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator with the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him via email or Twitter.

Consumers Energy will host public meetings to discuss the expansion of the Experimental Advanced Renewable Program (EARP), which is a standard-offer contract program for electricity generated by customer-owned solar generators. Consumers Energy customers, solar installers and others interested in learning more about selling photovoltaic electricity to Consumers Energy should plan to participate in two sessions to be held Tuesday, August 30:

1. In-depth program discussion 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Topics include current EARP program status; how the program works; participation, eligibility and system requirements; application and paperwork tutorial; installation standards; EARP process details.

2. High-level program overview 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Topics include how the program works; participation, eligibility and system requirements; EARP process details.

Sessions will take place at the The Henry Center (3535 Forest Road in Lansing), or via online meeting. Contact Consumers Energy's EARP coordinator at solar@cmsenergy.com by Friday, August 26 to RSVP. Be prepared to provide attendee name(s), organization(s)/affiliation(s), contact phone number(s), email address(es), and indicate plans to attend in-person or via online meeting. For more: http://www.consumersenergy.com/EARP

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator for the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him by email, by calling 734-669-6323 or on Twitter @l4est.

 

On December 2nd, 2010 the Michigan Energy Forum will present its Year in Review discussion panel and networking event, "Models for Generating New Energy Businesses." The panel will provide an overview of the various clean-tech technologies discussed throughout 2010 and highlight promising points of entry for entrepreneurs and expanding businesses. The panel will discuss the confluence of attractive energy technologies, public policy shifts, and sources of private funding, as well as successful models for generating new business opportunities in the clean tech space. The event is free, for more information and to register visit http://www.annarborusa.org/events/details?e=10246