FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2025
Contact: Nora Naughton, nora.naughton@sierraclub.org, 248-345-1456
Lansing, Mich. ⸺ Following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State Address, Sierra Club remains focused on fighting for democracy and essential programs that will protect the Great Lakes and deliver reliable, renewable, and affordable energy for Michiganders.
For Michiganders already paying some of the highest utility rates in the country, we know the cheapest forms of energy in Michigan right now are solar, wind, and energy efficiency. Michigan’s new clean energy law that just went into effect will not only help families lower utilities costs with clean, affordable, and reliable energy, but will protect public health, and help local communities thrive, while with the support from the federal government has created thousands of jobs.
Governor Whitmer sought to focus on her achievements in lowering costs, creating jobs, and delivering results. While plenty of progress has been made in the past six years, we were concerned about the current pressing challenges the Governor left out of her address.
Michigan is currently leading the way on our country’s transition to renewable energy. We are No. 1 in the nation for winning Inflation Reduction Act-funded projects, supporting more than 26,000 good-paying jobs. All of this is currently at risk from the Trump administration’s unconstitutional clawbacks of billions of dollars of investment in clean energy projects across the state. It is imperative that we build upon the climate progress we have made in recent years and not cede ground to corporate polluters currently cashing in on the illegal and corrupt actions of the Trump administration.
Michiganders are struggling to pay rising water bills, too. Michigan’s bipartisan water affordability package will lower costs for ratepayers, and now is the time for Governor Whitmer to call on the legislature to pass the water affordability package. These critical bills protect public health, help stabilize costs for water utilities, and would provide a lifeline for struggling families.
We have so much more work to do. As the home state of the automotive industry, Michigan should lead the way on electrification of transportation and grid reliability while supporting public transportation. We must also remove barriers to community solar, help weatherize homes, and hold polluters financially responsible.
None of Sierra Club’s priorities stand a chance without a fair and functional democracy. Corporate polluters, billionaires, and utilities have used money in politics to rig the government game in their favor for years, and they finally won the jackpot at the federal level. While President Trump and Elon Musk drag us into a constitutional crisis it is imperative for states to fight for a strong democracy that puts public health and thriving communities ahead of more profits for corrupt billionaires.
Christy McGillivray, Political and Legislative Director:
“Action from Governor Whitmer and the state legislature is more critical than ever to maintain progress on climate action and safeguard our imperiled democracy now that our federal government is in the hands of kleptocrats and fossil fuel companies. At a time when President Trump and Elon Musk are taking us backwards on climate and advancing the radical Project 2025 agenda, we would have loved to hear more about how the Governor was going to safeguard and build upon our progress and enshrine our leadership on climate and democracy.
The Sierra Club will continue advocating for policies that protect our communities, air, land, and water while defending against any efforts to undermine them–especially the attacks on our democracy.”
Tim Minotas, Deputy Legislative and Political Director:
“Governor Whitmer and the state legislature must recommit to defending all Michiganders and lead on issues that will continue the progress we have made — from water and housing affordability to community solar, utility accountability and grid reliability. These are real actions that will continue to lower costs, create jobs, and deliver results for Michigan.
While the current ‘roads deal’ debate presents opportunities, Michigan needs a modern, sustainable transportation system that goes beyond potholes and highways. We must invest in affordable, equitable, and climate-friendly transportation that serves all Michiganders."
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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.