Legislation aims to codify climate and clean energy provisions from Gov. Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan

LANSING, MI — In response to the Clean Energy Future Plan introduced today in the Michigan State Senate, Evergreen Action Midwest Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager Courtney Bourgoin released the following statement: 

“Michiganders want a clean energy future. With this package, Michigan has the opportunity to be one of the nation’s leading states on climate action. The Clean Energy Future Plan will create new jobs and deliver lower energy costs as the state continues to move toward a clean energy economy.

“This move toward clean energy and lowering energy costs is not only necessary but extremely popular. Recent polling shows that the majority of voters support transitioning to 100 percent clean energy by 2035 and for the public service commission to incorporate climate and affordability into its regulatory reach. And this is just the beginning. 

“Michigan has a historic opportunity to make its clean energy and climate goals a reality with unprecedented levels of funding coming in from the federal government. Billions of new dollars in clean energy incentives and grants will give the state the resources it needs to expand solar and wind energy, electrify homes, clean up the transportation sector, and more. These resources should compel the state to go further and faster—ensuring that Michigan communities that have experienced historic divestment and a disproportionate burden of climate pollution benefit from these programs the most.

“There is still work to be done to address disproportionate economic and health impacts in disadvantaged communities across the state and develop a just and thriving workforce as the clean energy economy in the state grows. We look forward to the swift passage of this legislation and the legislature’s continued commitment to bold, immediate climate action.” 

The legislation introduced by Michigan Senate leaders Sens. Sam Singh and Sue Shink would move Michigan to 100 percent clean energy by 2035, require the Public Service Commission to incorporate climate considerations into its regulatory processes, expand private access to clean energy sources like solar, help ensure energy is affordable for low-income communities in the state, and more. 

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