Michigan's economy has been hurt badly in the past decade by the troubles of the domestic car industry and attempts to attract new business have not created nearly as many jobs as those that have evaporated. The latest venture that's attracting attention is biofuels. Michigan may be known for industry but there is still a lot of farming here and those farmers want to cash in.
There are currently six operating biodiesel and ethanol facilities in the state with sixteen more in the works including a cellulosic ethanol plant scheduled to open in 2009. Biofuel producers have an advantage in Michigan because the car makers are willing to work with them on testing and development. Unlike some other farm states, Michigan is not focusing just on corn ethanol but is working on many different technologies. Hopefully some of these developments will pan out and benefit both the state and the whole country.
[Source: Detroit News]
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