Michigan’s 89,000 clean energy jobs myth

By Tom Gantert | Michigan Capitol Confidential

Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm used an oft-repeated but ever changing statistic this month when she cited Michigan as having 89,000 “clean energy” jobs at the World Energy Innovation Forum in California.

However, there appears to be no basis for the 89,000 figure, which has been repeated in various forms by numerous organizations.

Carole Love, director of communications for the former governor, said she believes the number is a projection for the year 2020 based upon industries currently in Michigan, not current job numbers. That means numerous organizations are erroneously reporting the 89,000 jobs figure as jobs already existing, and so is Granholm’s own website.

Granholm’s website states: “her leadership attracted to Michigan more than 89,000 clean energy jobs …”

at Michigan Capitol Confidential.