Dive Brief:

• Michigan Republicans have formed a group to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in the state.
• The Michigan Conservative Energy Forum wants the state to become more energy independent.
• Forum members include the secretary of the Michigan Republican State Committee and the vice chair of the Michigan Republican Party.

Dive Insight:

It's not often you see conservatives lead the way on renewable energy and energy efficiency, but that's the point, according to Larry Ward, former political director for the Michigan Republican Party and executive director of the forum.

"For too long, we have allowed the energy discourse to be dominated by the left. Conservatives have sat on the sidelines for far too long," he said.