As goes Michigan . . .

A new study concludes Michigan would gain jobs and boost its economy by taking a range of steps to reduce greenhouse gas output.

The study by the Washington, D.C-based Center for Climate Strategies forecasts a net increase of 129,000 jobs by 2025, a very slight drop in residential energy prices and a $25 billion net gain in gross state product. It weighs the effects of implementing dozens of recommendations issued this year by a state-created body called the Michigan Climate Action Council on renewable energy, building efficiency, forestry and other areas.

“As documented in the study, implementing policies that reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, promote energy efficiency, and increase the use of renewable and alternative energy will improve the quality of our environment, grow Michigan's economy and create thousands of jobs,” said Steven Chester, director of the state’s Department of Environmental Quality.

Michigan and other industrial states play an important role in the climate and energy debate. Both of its Democratic senators – Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow – are willing to back a federal climate and energy bill.

But they are also among the senators demanding that any bill include trade provisions – including so-called carbon tariffs – to prevent manufacturers from being undercut by competitors in nations that don’t require major emissions curbs.