As part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s commitment to a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is sharing its MI Healthy Climate Plan with the public for feedback.

The MI Healthy Climate Plan was developed with input from Michiganders and the expertise of the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions (Climate Council).

"This is a uniquely Michigan plan designed to chart a path toward a safer, healthier and more economically vibrant Michigan that aggressively slashes greenhouse gas emissions fueling climate change. It also strives to protect, support and empower those most vulnerable to the impacts of an increasingly volatile climate," Liesl Clark, director of EGLE said in a press release.

Public comment on the plan is open through February 14. Two virtual listening sessions will take place where comments will be recorded.

The plan calls on leaders from public and private sectors to work together toward opportunities to advance equity, improve quality of life and create visionary new economic solutions while moving away from carbon-based fuels and other climate pollutants.

"Climate change is an urgent challenge, and this blueprint focuses on the collaboration that is necessary from multiple players to move Michigan into a leadership role with a focus on equitable solutions that create opportunities to improve the well-being of all Michiganders — particularly those in disinvested communities – to benefit," Dr. Phyllis Meadows, a senior fellow with The Kresge Foundation’s Detroit Health Program and member of the Climate Council said in a press release. 

The draft plan suggests closing all coal plants by 2035, trying to reach 50% renewable electricity by 2030 and installing charging stations to support 2 million electric vehicles by 2030. It also follows the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, calling for at least 40% of all climate investments in the plan to go toward vulnerable communities.

“It focuses on Michigan-specific needs and challenges, while recognizing the state’s role in the national and global discussion about shifting quickly to more sustainable and just practices,” Meadows said. “The process to prepare the draft involved hundreds of individuals from a variety of backgrounds. To be successful, Michigan will need to continue this engagement work with residents, businesses large and small and communities to create a framework to get a lot done quickly and with no Michigander left behind."

Want more?

Read the full press release.

Read the full MI Health Climate Plan Draft.

Submit public comments or suggested changes at any time to EGLE-ClimateSolutions@Michigan.gov 

Learn more and register for the Public Listening Session 1 on January 26 from 10 a.m. to noon and Session 2. On February 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.