What is Industrial Transformation?
Industrial Transformation is a coordinated effort by the industrial sector, environmental advocates and policy makers to move away from production practices, such as fossil fuel burning, that contribute to air and water pollution and instead invest in clean manufacturing that mitigates harmful environmental and public health impacts.
How does industry impact the environment?
Industrial facilities are responsible for nearly a third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. These emissions contribute to air and water pollution and negative public health impacts. Air pollution exacerbates respiratory conditions like asthma and contributes to cardiovascular disease while water pollution contributes to chronic diseases, waterborne illnesses and drinking water contamination.
How has industry impacted Michigan?
For decades the industrial sector provided good paying jobs, federal trade policy and globalization have led to outsourcing of manufacturing overseas. Since 1990 Michigan has lost nearly 250,000 manufacturing jobs. Many states lost as many or more jobs than Michigan during this period that today remain high-wage states. This was achieved not by retaining old industry, but through investment in growing sectors. Now, Michigan has an opportunity to become a leader in clean industry and stay competitive in the new world of manufacturing.
What does Industrial Transformation Look Like?
The primary action taking place in Michigan to help achieve this transition to greener production is the state of Michigan's department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap. The states roadmap includes thoroughly researched policy recommendations informed by community, policy and labor advocates. The recommendations include state financing and technical support for clean production, strategies to create demand for clean industry and workforce and state department development plans to ensure the state has the infrastructure needed in this transition.
Learn more about Sierra Club's National Industrial Transformation Campaign Here