FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 26, 2023
CONTACT: Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org, 906-869-4167
Tim Minotas, tim.minotas@sierraclub.org,
Governor Whitmer’s State of the State Address a Call for Climate Action - Now It’s Time to Get to Work
Lansing, MI - Last night, Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave her fifth State of the State address, addressing a new Democratic majority in the State House and Senate. In her speech the Governor addressed the need for climate action at the state level and how Michigan can and must continue to be a leader in the automotive industry as the world transitions to clean transportation.
Following her speech, Sierra Club Chapter Director Elayne Elliott released the following statement:
“Last night, we heard the Governor use her State of the State address to discuss the importance of taking action on climate. The Sierra Club is proud to support the Whitmer administration in their efforts to move Michigan toward a clean energy economy that is not only a win for our climate, but for our jobs, economy, and families.
In order to do this, our new legislative leaders have a duty to prioritize climate action in their 2023 agenda. This means more than the bare minimum or a set of disjointed pieces of legislation. We need strong cohesive legislation that will let us invest in clean, renewable energy as well as better storage and energy efficiency, one that will prioritize funding for vulnerable communities in our state, and one that will take strong plans like the MI Healthy Climate Plan and put policy in place that will add substance to it and get Michigan moving toward a better future.”
Legislative and Political Director, Tim Minotas was also in Lansing watching the speech and said the following:
“Sierra Club Michigan Chapter put in the work to get an environmental majority in the Legislature and re-elect Governor Gretchen Whitmer. It’s uplifting to hear her speak on the importance of climate action, and how the great state of Michigan can help lead the charge in clean vehicle production, battery storage, and clean energy manufacturing. Now we need to take those inspiring words and turn them into action. We look forward to working with Governor Whitmer and the Legislature in the new session.”
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org