Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer keynoted the sold-out MI Healthy Climate Conference yesterday in Detroit, focusing themes of protecting Michiganders from the most significant impacts of climate change while seizing the economic opportunities of a clean energy transition.
The two-day conference brought together nearly 600 stakeholders from across the state and nation to help implement key actions in the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The conference is organized by the State of Michigan through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The conference is at capacity, but Gov. Whitmer’s address and other key recordings will be available online afterward.
Mayor Mike Duggan welcomed the attendees. They also heard from thought leaders and experts on how Michigan can seize the opportunity to create a healthier, more just and carbon-neutral Michigan.
Gov. Whitmer signed executive order 2020-182 and executive directive 2020-10 committing Michigan to achieving economy-wide carbon neutrality no later than 2050 with interim reductions of 28% by 2025 and 52% by 2030 to ensure steady progress and to maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) after 2050.
The governor charged EGLE and the Council on Climate Solutions with developing a plan to meet these goals. This work culminated in the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The plan positions Michigan as a climate action leader and focuses on actions to spur economic development and create good-paying jobs, lower energy and transportation costs for working families and businesses, work towards energy independence, mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, improve public health, and protect natural resources and wildlife.
The state’s climate plan has six priority actions:
- Commit to environmental justice and pursue a just transition.
- Clean the electric grid.
- Electrify vehicles and increase public transit.
- Repair and decarbonize homes and businesses.
- Drive clean innovation in industry.
- Protect Michigan’s land and water.
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