Sierra Club members and supporters throughout Michigan came to the state capitol on May 15 for the Spring Lobby Day. The more than 80 participants met with legislators and asked them to take action on two priority environmental concerns: authorizing community solar and protecting the Great Lakes from microplastics.
Community Solar: Michigan families deserve the freedom to choose clean, affordable energy, and community solar makes that possible. Unfortunately, the lack of any legislation allowing it has given utility companies exclusive control over community solar projects, blocking local communities from creating their own renewable energy solutions. This is wrong.
Michigan residents have some of the highest electricity costs in the Midwest. Enabling community solar in Michigan would be a game changer for the average Michigander who wants access to clean and affordable renewable energy. Community solar would allow residents — regardless of homeownership, rooftop space or those who are unable to afford rooftop solar — to participate and receive direct savings on their electric bills. Community solar provides lower electric bills, clean energy, local jobs, long-term revenue opportunities, ownership for local communities and a more resilient energy grid.
Urge your legislators to support Community Solar at this link.
Protecting the Great Lakes From Microplastics: Michigan’s $22.8 billion tourism and outdoor recreation industry is at risk due to rising plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, our rivers and streams. Over 22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes annually, breaking down into harmful microplastics that threaten human, animal and ecosystem health.
Microplastics have been found at alarming levels in each of the Great Lakes. Microplastics make their way into our bodies through fish, drinking water, bottled water, beer and the air we breathe. To protect human health, the environment and vital freshwater resources, we must act now.