A view of the panel discussion led by Secretary Granholm and held at Oakland University's Engineering Center on August 5, 2021.
Congresswoman Haley Stevens listens as Secretary Granholm makes her points about the importance of infrastructure updates for the state of Michigan and the need for more clean energy around the country.
Louay Chamra, Oakland University's Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science took part in the panel discussion and shared his ideas about how OU can play a role in enhancing research and technology into these areas of interest.
Group shot of the participating panelists at the conclusion of the event on August 5, 2021.
Group photo of the Oakland University team hosting our guests on campus. From left, Daniel N. Aloi, Director of Research for the School of Engineering and Computer Science, Rochelle A. Black, Vice President for Government and Community Relations, Louay Chamra, Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, United States Representative Haley Stevens, Britt Rios-Ellis, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Jennifer Granholm, United States Secretary of Energy, William Edwards, Special Instructor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Chris Kobus, Director of Outreach, Recruitment and Retention and Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department.
Welcoming Congresswoman Stevens and Secretary Granholm to Oakland University were Britt Rios-Ellis, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Louay Chamra, Dean of the School of Engineering and Rochelle Black, Vice President for Government and Community Relations.
United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and Oakland University's Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Britt Rios-Ellis discussed the key role that academic institutions like OU can and will play in helping reach some of the ambitious goals when it comes to increasing the development and use of clean and renewable energy around the country.
SECS, Engineering, Jennifer Granholm, Haley Stevens, infrastrucre, clean energy
August 6, 2021
Part of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda deals with infrastructure and a commitment to clean energy.
In growing community awareness for the plan, United States Secretary of Energy (and former Michigan Governor) Jennifer Granholm came to Oakland University on August 5 to host a panel discussion with several business leaders. She was joined by United States Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI 11th district).
The panel consisted of:
- Liesl Clark, Director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
- Jeff Donofrio, CEO of the Business Leaders for Michigan
- Ned Staebler, President, TechTown Detroit
- Steven Croley, Chief Policy Officer and General Counsel, Ford Motor Company
- Carla Walker-Miller, founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services
- Frank Ervin, VP of Government Relations and Diversity Suppliers of Piston Group
- Dr. Louay Chamra, Dean, Oakland University School of Engineering & Computer Science
- Marco Giamberardino, VP Government and Public Affairs NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association)
The group discussed the bipartisan infrastructure deal currently being debated in the U.S. Senate and ways that the bill could benefit Michigan. The bill calls for the following investments in Michigan:
- $7.3 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $563 million for bridge replacement and repairs
- $1 billion over five years to improve public transportation options across the state
- $110 million over five years to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network in the state. Michigan will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to electric vehicle charging in the bill.
- A minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 398,000 Michiganders who currently lack it. And, 2,482,000 or 25% of people in Michigan will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford Internet access
They also discussed the President’s 48c tax credit that incentivizes domestic clean energy manufacturing, funding for workforce development, a clean energy standard, and other important climate and clean energy investments so America can compete for the $23 trillion global market for products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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