As part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s commitment to a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, last week Whitmer announced the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The plan proposes climate action that would create clean-energy jobs, spur economic development and innovation, protect clean air and water and improve public health.

The MI Healthy Climate Plan was developed with input from Michiganders and the expertise of the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions. Other goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 28% below 2005 levels by 2025 and 52% by 2030.

The plan was developed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) with input from hundreds of Michigan residents. To serve as the primary venue for gathering and channeling that input, Whitmer created the Council on Climate Solutions. 

The council consists of 14 Michigan residents appointed by Whitmer. As CMF reported in January, EGLE shared the plan with the public for feedback.

The plan identifies the climate actions needed to achieve these goals into six categories: 

•    Commit to Environmental Justice and Pursue a Just Transition: Ensure that at least 40% of state funding for climate-related and water infrastructure initiatives benefit Michigan’s disadvantaged communities.

•    Clean the Electric Grid: Generate 60% of the state’s electricity from renewable resources and phase out the remaining coal-fired power plants by 2030.

•    Electrify Vehicles and Increase Public Transit: Build the infrastructure necessary to support 2 million electric vehicles on Michigan roads by 2030.

•    Repair and Decarbonize Homes and Businesses: Reduce emissions related to heating Michigan homes and businesses by 17% by 2030.

•    Drive Clean Innovation in Industry: Encourage clean innovation hubs where private enterprises strategically co-locate and collaborate to develop and deploy new, cleaner manufacturing technologies and conduct research and development to reduce emissions from hard to decarbonize industries.

•    Protect Michigan’s Land and Water: Protect 30% of Michigan’s land and water by 2030 to naturally capture GHG emissions, maintain and improve access to recreational opportunities for all Michiganders and protect biodiversity.

“This is a uniquely Michigan plan. It was shaped by a multitude of Michiganders with varied perspectives on climate change,” Liesl Clark, director of EGLE said. “We heard from environmental justice, public transit, local food and climate action advocates; an array of business and labor leaders; academic experts and local government officials; and concerned residents of all political persuasions and walks of life. The resulting MI Healthy Climate Plan will be a game-changer for Michigan’s economy and environment. It is a bold plan that a broad cross-section of Michiganders can rally around.”

The Office of Climate and Energy within EGLE will oversee the plan’s implementation together with state departments and agencies, tribal and local governments and key stakeholders.

Read more about the MI Healthy Climate Plan.