Michigan Receives 2009 Interstate Renewable Energy Council Innovation Award

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Jennifer M.
Granholm today announced that Michigan has been awarded the 2009 Interstate
Renewable Energy Council's Innovation Award for its clean energy leadership
through the state's Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).

Each year, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) recognizes
individuals and organizations that have implemented innovative projects during
the past year that promote and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy
technologies. This year, IREC's innovation through state government leadership
award went to Michigan for the creation of DELEG as a way for the state to
strategically rebrand itself and aggressively compete nationally and
internationally in the development of advanced energy technology. The award
was made in conjunction with the 2009 Solar Power International Conference
held in Anaheim, California on Monday, October 26th.

"With the creation of the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth in
December of 2008, all of our renewable energy and energy efficiency programs
were now aligned under one roof." Granholm said. "We were keenly aware of the
challenges and rewards of a new green economy. And as the state that put the
world on wheels, we wanted to be the state that revolutionizes the way we fuel
our cars and power our homes."

Through Executive Order 2008-20, Governor Jennifer Granholm reorganized
several State of Michigan departments to create the Department of Energy,
Labor, and Economic Growth, and named the Director of DELEG, Stanley "Skip"
Pruss, as the Chief Energy Officer for the state. As Chief Energy Officer,
Director Pruss has been charged by the Governor to promote the use of
renewable energy, the development of advanced energy technologies, and the
implementation of energy efficiency measures in Michigan.

"The new energy economy is Michigan's greatest opportunity to create thousands
of new jobs, attract new investment, and diversify our economy," Pruss said.
"It is an honor for Michigan to be recognized for our leadership in this
area."

For more information about the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth,
please visit www.michigan.gov/deleg.

SOURCE Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth

Mario Morrow of Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth,
+1-517-373-9280, mediainfo@michigan.gov