In 1979, President Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the White House as a model for what can be done to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels as a major source of energy for our country and our planet. At the unveiling ceremony, he challenged us with these words: “A generation from now, this solar heater can either be a curiosity, a museum piece, an example of a road not taken, or it can be just a small part of one of the greatest and most exciting adventures ever undertaken by the American people.”

Michigan has accepted Jimmy Carter’s challenge and, due to the leadership of our forward-thinking governor and state Legislature, by 2040, we will produce all our energy using clean energy standards.

This includes producing 60% of our energy needs from renewables and a drastic reduction in fossil fuels, which will help mitigate our out-of-control crisis of the climate.

The series of clean energy bills which the governor signed on Nov. 28 will lower average annual utility costs by $145, create 160,000 good-paying jobs, and bring nearly $8 billion of federal tax dollars home to Michigan, according to the Governor’s Office.

Although it is now 44 years since the president’s bold action to begin the movement toward renewable energy, it is never too late to make a meaningful difference. Thank you to our state representatives, state senators, and our governor for looking out for the well-being of our people!

ROBERT KENNEDY,

Harrisville