The Governor emphasized the importance of this collaboration in driving down energy costs while expanding the state’s capacity to produce clean, reliable energy. “Because of our effective collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Holtec, and Wolverine, this project has the potential to pass these savings and provide clean, reliable electricity for more than 300,000 homes, businesses, and farms in rural communities across the state,” Whitmer said. The reopening of Palisades is anticipated to protect 600 union jobs and create another 1,100 in the surrounding community. Whitmer’s administration has made it clear that Michigan is determined to lead in clean energy, ensuring that these initiatives directly impact the state’s future economic growth.
“The Biden-Harris administration’s investment in Wolverine Power Cooperative and their ongoing commitment to reopen the Palisades Nuclear Plant will drive down energy costs, help us make more clean, reliable energy right here in Michigan, and set us up to compete and win transformational economic development projects in the future,” said Governor Whitmer. “This is another critical step in our collaboration with the administration to restart the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, protecting 600 union jobs and supporting 1,100 more in the community. We are showing the world that Michigan will continue to lead the future of clean energy. Let’s keep getting it done.”
Wolverine Power Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative, serves wholesale electricity to its member distribution cooperatives throughout rural areas in Michigan. This new grant funding is part of the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service. Its goal? To help rural communities transition to affordable, clean energy while improving health outcomes and cutting pollution. The program represents the largest investment in rural electrification since the 1936 Rural Electrification Act and stands as a key component of President Biden’s push for a more sustainable energy future.
In May, Michigan officials wrote to Secretary Vilsack of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support Wolverine’s grant application. Now, with the New ERA grant secured, rural Michigan is set to see its energy landscape transformed with reliable, carbon-free electricity for decades to come. This is about more than just cleaner energy; it’s about building a sustainable, forward-thinking economy where everyone can thrive, regardless of where they live.
The Palisades Nuclear Plant, once a pillar of Michigan’s energy infrastructure, had been out of commission since May 2022. At the time of its shutdown, Palisades employed 600 workers who earned an average of nearly $118,000 a year. Beyond that, the plant played a vital role in the local economy, supporting over 1,100 jobs and contributing $363 million annually to regional economic development. It produced over 800 megawatts of clean energy, powering about 800,000 homes.
The shutdown marked a significant loss for the area, but the sale of the plant to Holtec in June 2022 opened the door to revitalization. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Energy committed up to $1.52 billion in loans to assist with restarting the plant. Coupled with $300 million in funding from Governor Whitmer and the Michigan legislature, efforts to reopen Palisades are well underway. This is more than just an energy project—it’s about saving and creating jobs, fortifying Michigan’s energy independence, and positioning the state at the forefront of clean energy leadership.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, Michigan has seen significant investments in clean energy. The Inflation Reduction Act stands as the largest clean energy investment in American history, with Michigan leading the charge. In the nearly two years since its passage, the IRA has catalyzed 62 new clean energy projects across the state. From solar to electric vehicles, hydrogen, and battery storage, Michigan has benefited from more than $26 billion in new investments and the creation of over 21,000 jobs, solidifying its position as a national leader in clean energy.
These investments also extend beyond energy projects. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is widely known for its focus on repairing roads and bridges, is also driving the modernization of Michigan’s power grid. By investing in energy efficiency, deploying more clean energy, and supporting nuclear projects, the law is helping Michigan secure its energy future.
Governor Whitmer’s administration has also taken critical steps to support the state’s clean energy transition. In November 2023, she signed historic clean energy legislation that will lower utility costs, create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and ensure that Michigan’s air and water are protected for generations. The bills, which position Michigan as a leader in the fight against climate change, aim to make clean energy more accessible for all while safeguarding the state’s public health.
With nearly 124,000 clean energy workers, Michigan leads the Midwest in clean energy employment. A report by Clean Jobs America highlighted that the state added more than 5,400 workers in 2022 alone, growing at nearly twice the rate of the overall economy. These numbers reinforce the fact that Michigan’s clean energy transition is not just about reducing emissions—it’s about creating jobs, empowering communities, and ensuring that Michigan remains at the forefront of the national clean energy movement.
The reopening of Palisades and the investments in Wolverine Power Cooperative mark a pivotal step in Michigan’s clean energy journey. The collaboration between the federal government, state officials, and local stakeholders will be felt in the state’s economy, its environment, and its communities for decades to come. Governor Whitmer’s administration remains focused on getting things done for the people of Michigan, ensuring that everyone—regardless of where they live—has access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy.
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