DETROIT?The state’s top energy researchers, policy-makers and business innovators will come together on Earth Day April 22 to review plans for making Michigan a national leader in emerging green energy technologies.

Michigan’s University Research Corridor (URC) and WWJ Newsradio 950 will bring together Michigan’s key go-to people in energy innovation, including leading researchers from Wayne State University, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan for “Carbon Culture at the Crossroads: Embracing a Green Michigan.”

Organizers hope the gathering will provide businesses and citizens a roadmap to achieving alternative energy leadership and sustainability in Michigan.

The special sessions kick off with a keynote address from Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s chief adviser on renewable energy and the environment, Stanley “Skip” Pruss, who will outline “Michigan’s Plans for Alternative Energy” followed by town hall panels comprised of top energy researchers and business leaders.

WWJ will broadcast live from the event, airing special coverage on the topic with interviews running hourly throughout the day at 5:40 a.m. through 7:40 p.m. More information is available at www.urcmich.org and www.wwj.com.

Experts predict that renewable energy and energy efficiency alone will add $4.5 trillion in value to the U.S. economy by 2030. Michigan, with more automotive-related R&D talent than the other 49 states combined as well as an abundance of engineering talent and strong resources in wind, solar, bio-fuels and other energy fields is considered to be well-positioned to be a national leader in new emerging energy industries.

Michigan is also home to the URC, one of the largest clusters of research universities in the nation conducting more than $1.3 billion in research each year. The agenda for the conference includes:

8:45 a.m.: Keynote: Michigan’s Plan for Alternative Energy

Skip Pruss, Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s special adviser for alternative energy and the environment.

9:15 a.m.: Cultural and Policy Impediments to a Green Michigan

Moderator: Matt Roush, The Great Lakes IT Report

Jim Croce, CEO of NextEnergy.

Stephen Forrest, University of Michigan vice president for research Randal Charlton, director of TechTown and founder of Asterand Soji Adelaja, director of the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute.

10:45 a.m.: Business Reacts to the Michigan Energy Plan

Mary Beth Stanek, General Motors Corp. director of energy and environmental policy.

Ray Siada, corporate energy manager, Guardian Industries.

Fred Keller, chairman and CEO of Cascade Energy Inc., Grand Rapids.

Ronald Krupitzer, vice president, automotive application, American Iron and Steel Institute.

Aaron Crum, co-founder of AMI Adaptive Materials Inc., Ann Arbor.

The conference, 7:30 a.m.-noon, will be held at Wayne State’s Community Arts Auditorium, 450 Reuther Mall. It begins with a special networking breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Registration and a $35 fee are required for the networking breakfast and certain conference materials but the remainder of the program is free and open to the public. To register, visit: Embracing a GREEN Michigan

The research universities, working together through the URC, are each leaders in different aspects of energy research. WSU attracted NextEnergy to its TechTown research park and established an innovative alternative energy program while MSU opened a new alternative energy center and attracted its largest research grant, $50 million for developing biofuel technology. U-M is home to the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute and is a leader in the development of solar energy, fuel cells, batteries and other technology.

WWJ Newsradio 950 is owned and operated by CBS Radio, one of the largest major-market radio operators in the United States. A division of CBS Corp., CBS Radio operates 140 radio stations, the majority of which are in the nation’s top 50 markets. CBS Radio also owns and operates WVMV-FM, WOMC-FM, WYCD-FM, and WXYT-FM/AM in Detroit.

Contact: Joe Serwach

Phone: (734) 647-1844

Contact: Francine Wunder

Phone: (313) 577-5699

Contact: Russ White

Phone: (517) 432-0923

Contact: Georgeann Herbert

Phone: (248) 455-7299

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