For years, Michigan has relied on energy-dense fossil fuels and nuclear power to provide affordable, reliable electricity. Today, net-zero mandates are driving a rapid transition to wind and solar, which threatens grid reliability and exacerbates environmental harm. It’s time to rethink our energy future.
This presentation, led by Jason Hayes, director of energy and environmental policy at the Mackinac Center, will explore the challenges of achieving net-zero goals, including their impact on grid stability, rising electricity costs, and the environmental toll of transitioning away from reliable energy sources. From the material-intensive demands of renewables to the risks of over-relying on intermittent wind and solar, Hayes will highlight how current policies undermine Michigan’s energy security.
Attendees will learn about practical solutions, such as leveraging nuclear power’s reliability, utilizing America’s abundant fossil fuel reserves with modern emissions controls, and prioritizing market-driven innovation over government mandates. Join us as we unpack the flaws in net-zero policies and chart a path toward a balanced, reliable and sustainable energy future for Michigan.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
11:30am - 1:00pm
Lunch included
Johnny’s on the Lake Bar & Grill
146 High Street
Belleville, MI 48111
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This event has been cancelled.
Jason Hayes is the director of energy and environmental policy for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He spearheads the Center's initiative that focuses on improving the lives of Michigan’s residents by first working to understand Michigan’s unique natural features and then promoting policies that will balance the state’s environmental health and economic vigor.
Jason has spent almost three decades studying and working in environmental and energy policy. He holds a Master of Environmental Design (Environmental Science) degree from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of British Columbia and a Technical Diploma in Renewable Resource Management from Selkirk College. He joined the Mackinac Center in 2016.
David Guenthner is the vice president for government affairs at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He joined the Center in 2018 as senior strategist for state affairs after 11 years with the Texas Policy Foundation. In addition to leading the Mackinac Center’s government affairs strategy, David also manages the Center’s criminal justice policy portfolio.
Beyond his role at the Mackinac Center, David serves as a Partner Advisor for the Michigan Justice Fund and co-chairman of the Michigan Electoral College Coalition. He is a private sector member on the Task Force on Commerce, Insurance, and Economic Development for the American Legislative Exchange Council, having previously served three years on its Task Force on Criminal Justice.
David received his B.A. from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, with a double major in political science and speech communication and a minor in economics. He is a 2020 graduate of the Atlas Network’s Executive Accelerator and a 2023 graduate of the Leadership Program of the Rockies.
