LANSING, MI (January 18, 2012) After Governor Rick Snyder’s State of the State address tonight, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Jobs21! National Co-Chair Mark Schauer:

“Governor Snyder’s State of the State address this evening was as much about what he didn’t say, as what he did say. Michigan is at a turning point in terms of job creation and the clean energy economy and we cannot afford to lose the momentum we’ve had so far.

“The progress we’ve made is in part due to our investments in the clean energy and infrastructure. These investments are paying off. This week, the Detroit Auto Show shows off Michigan’s potential as a leader in clean, fuel-efficient cars and light trucks consumers want to drive. A hearing this week in Detroit on ambitious new fuel efficiency standards proved that CAFE is no longer a four-letter word, rather something that will create jobs in Michigan, save money and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

“Despite progress, today too many Michiganders are still without work. We need to continue to make the smart investments in the industries of the 21st century – renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation, advanced vehicle technology, safe chemicals, recycling, broadband, and smart grid – that are paying off today. We must fight against attempts to move back on this progress, which would stifle growth that is pivotal to our state’s environmental and economic future.”