The campaign season is bringing polemics and hypercharged political sound bites about environmental progress even though there is very strong public support for cleaner air that’s healthier to breathe, cleaner water that’s safer to drink and enjoy for recreation, and fewer dangerous toxics in our communities.

The best news is that environmental progress is being achieved together with the growing green economy that is helping drive Michigan’s and the nation’s economic recovery. Energy efficient equipment and appliances, wind and solar energy development, cleaner more fuel efficient cars and modern high-performance rail development are good for job creation, good for economic growth and good for the environment.

Nonetheless, some defensive polluters and politicized critics are hauling out the old myth and false dichotomy that we must choose between job creation and environmental progress. That wasn't true 30 years ago, and it isn't true today. Nor do most people believe in that canard. Let's look at the facts and progress of innovative clean technologies in Michigan and the Midwest.

Energy efficiency Improvements are creating jobs, saving people and businesses money on their utility bills, keeping money in Michigan’s economy, and reducing pollution.

Dow (Midland), Ilumisys (Troy), Johnson Controls (Ann Arbor and Auburn Hills) and Midwest Illumination (Clarkson) are among the many energy efficiency businesses designing equipment and employing skilled workers retrofitting commercial, industrial and governmental buildings, schools, hospitals and homes. Saving energy saves consumers money.

Because Michigan imports the coal, most of the gas and all of the uranium burned in power plants, more efficient energy use keeps money in the state’s economy. Less pollution means better public health and cleaner lakes and rivers for all. Why would anyone argue that it’s somehow smart to waste energy and money?

Wind and solar development create manufacturing and technical jobs, rural economic development and pollution-free energy. The Environmental Law & Policy Center's Solar and Wind Energy Supply Chain report shows that Michigan is home to 241 clean energy technology supply chain businesses and 10,000 related jobs.

Michigan is a solar business leader with companies including Patriot Solar Group (Albion), which manufactures trackers for solar panel installations, and Hemlock Semiconductor (Hemlock), one of the world’s largest manufacturers of polycrystalline silicon for solar cells and modules. Some of Michigan’s old-line manufacturing companies like Dowding Industries - Astraeus Wind Energy (Eaton Rapids) are re-tooling to supply growing markets for clean energy equipment.

In the Midwest region, Iowa is the nation’s overall #2 state for installed wind power, and Illinois was the nation’s #2 state for new wind power development in 2011. Wind power is the fastest growing global energy source.

In November, Michigan voters can pass a ballot measure to keep advancing Michigan’s clean energy economy by providing that renewable energy comprise 25% of overall supply by 2025. We must get the policy framework right to keep advancing Michigan’s and the region’s clean energy economy leadership.

Cleaner, more efficient cars and trucks save us money at the gas pump, cut back air pollution, improve national security by making our country less dependent on foreign oil, and keep money in Michigan’s economy rather than drain dollars to the Middle East, Venezuela and oil-producing states.

The Obama administration’s leadership in stabilizing and modernizing the American auto industry is a true success story, which is especially important for Michigan with its high percentage of auto-related manufacturing jobs. GM’s, Ford’s and Chrysler’s sales are up and profits are high. As car sales stay strong, both assembly plants and parts suppliers across Michigan, Ohio and Indiana are reviving, and Michigan is a forward-looking leader in advanced battery manufacturing.

The federal clean car standards will increase fuel economy to a fleet-wide average of 35 mpg in 2016 and 54.5 mpg by 2025. That will save trillions of dollars for America's economy, create jobs for Americans building the cleaner cars for the future, and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. This is a smart solution.

High-speed rail development is on track across Michigan with leadership from Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and across Illinois with leadership from Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn. Amtrak passenger trains are ready to run at 110 mph in western Michigan. High-performance rail improves mobility, creates jobs and spurs economic growth, and reduces pollution. Supply chain businesses across the Midwest will be manufacturing equipment for high-speed rail projects.

Modern, fast, comfortable and convenient trains connecting Detroit, Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo to Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Louis and then to Cleveland, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Madison, Minneapolis-St. Paul and other Midwestern cities is an important third transportation option to highway congestion with higher gas prices and rising airfares with fewer flights. This is a sensible solution for our future.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ recent report shows that 3.1 million people hold jobs in green goods and services. Close to 500,000 jobs are in manufacturing, 370,000 in construction and 349,000 in professional, scientific and technical services. That’s progress.

We will soon be overwhelmed by 30-second political attack ads from all sides. Let’s separate sound solutions from the sound bites. We are achieving job creation, economic growth and better environmental quality together. That’s what the public wants and it’s happening.

Howard A. Learner is the executive director of the Environmental Law and Policy Center, a Midwest-based environmental and economic development advocacy organization.