Educating the public is a critical component of the Mackinac Center’s energy and environmental policy work. We keep people informed about the pressing issues facing our state and country by publishing studies, appearing in the media and spreading our work across online platforms.
But there are more personal ways to reach a broad audience. Directly interacting with people across Michigan, the Midwest, the nation, or even the continent helps the public understand the essential role energy plays in our lives, health and well-being.
More Americans are waking up to our government- imposed energy crisis and are concerned about the growing instability of the North American electric grid. They want more complete answers on energy policy. In response, we have ramped up our efforts to get information to the public on the value of affordable, reliable energy and the need for free markets in improving environmental management.
I have presented information to various groups on the problems with new state and federal energy laws and the need for free-market ideas to play a larger role in energy and environmental policy. In 2023, I presented to almost 1,800 people at 31 events across North America. As of mid-May this year, I have spoken to more than 1,200 people at 18 events across the continent.
Audiences range from large groups of college students in Vancouver and Toronto to industry, community, and political leaders in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. I recently had the opportunity to join a panel at an academic conference held by Northwood University, discussing the interconnected nature of North American and European environmental and energy policies.
The developed world is on a self-destructive path to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. Despite what green groups and elected officials have told us, forcibly transitioning our electric grid and transportation systems will do little to nothing to slow global warming. China and India’s growing emissions quash any of our efforts. Instead, the transition will cause electricity prices to increase rapidly while ensuring our energy supply becomes dangerously unreliable.
Net-zero mandates represent a serious threat to Michiganders’ health and wealth. Thanks to your support, the Mackinac Center brings that message directly to the people
