On October 27, 2008 Governor Jennifer Granholm issued Executive Order 2008-20, which changes the Department of Labor and Economic Growth to the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.  Skip Pruss, who has been the Governor's special energy advisor, has been named as the Director of the department.  Current Director Keith Cooley is resigning to take the job of CEO with Next Energy in Detroit.

The restructured department will be responsible for development of alternative energy sources as well as conservation programs.  In addition to their current responsibilities they will also help promote the development of advanced energy technologies, which will prove vital to the state's efforts to rebuild the auto industry.