FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, August 30, 2023
CONTACT: Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org, 906-869-4167
Clean Energy and Climate Action: Governor Whitmer Stands Strong
Governor Calls on State Lawmakers to pass clean energy legislation this fall
Lansing, MI - On Wednesday, August 30, Governor Gretchen Whitmer took to the Capitol to address the House, Senate, and all of Michigan in a press conference to highlight her administration’s legislative priorities for the state this fall. A significant focus of her speech was climate change and clean energy.
During the “What’s Next Address”, Governor Whitmer highlighted the clean energy bill package the Sierra Club supports, urging lawmakers to enact a 100% clean energy standard, improve energy efficiency, and give more tools to the MPSC. The passage of these bills in Michigan will lead to substantial benefits, including an estimated $5.5 billion in energy cost savings for families, the creation of approximately 160,000 jobs, and the potential to secure $14.7 billion in federal funding by the year 2050.
“While Republicans running for President are still actively calling climate change a hoax, we are grateful to have a leader like Governor Gretchen Whitmer. As Michigan residents continue to experience the ramifications of toxic air quality, extended power outages due to severe weather and an unreliable energy grid, it’s clear that they want lawmakers to act. Michigan can lead the nation by implementing proven policies that protect our environment, stimulate investments in clean energy solutions, and create high-quality, union jobs for residents.” said Tim Minotas, Deputy Legislative and Political Director, “We share the Governor’s call for lawmakers in the House and Senate to act quickly to pass strong laws this fall that will push Michigan toward a 100% clean energy future.”
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About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.8 million members and supporters, 150,000 of which are in Michigan. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.