Capitol News

Michigan Republican U.S. Senate candidate John James recently showed his support for natural gas as a bigger part of the nation's energy future by signing “The Declaration of Energy Independence” from The Empowerment Alliance.

The declaration, which is not a pledge, explains the importance that the nation's leaders need to take toward a transition to natural gas. The country’s domestic energy plan must shift to a cleaner, less expensive fuel, and natural gas is that option, notes the the declaration, which shows that the signers are committed to supporting natural gas as an energy source and how it would help the country achieve full energy independence.

In Michigan in 2018, there were nearly 3.6 million residences and businesses that used natural gas to heat and power their properties, the Empowerment Alliance notes. That’s 76 percent of the state’s households.  

Natural gas is less expensive than other forms of fuel, and for the 14.1 percent of Michigan residents who live below the poverty line, saving money is a major consideration.  Also, the increase in use of natural gas (and reduction in use of other energy sources) has helped to clear the air in the state. Between 2007 and 2017, carbon dioxide emissions dropped 16.18 percent in Michigan.

There are 67,62 miles of natural gas pipelines and mains in the state.

James is a military veteran and works in his family’s business, James Group International. He has served on Gov. Rick Snyder’s mobility council as well as the Veterans Trust Committee, and the Workforce Development Council created by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

James earned a bachelor of science from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point,  a master of supply chain management and information systems from Penn State and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

He and his wife, Liz, live in Farmington Hills with their three sons.