Michigan continues to lead on clean energy with new $129 million federal investment

Michigan just got $129 million from the federal government for building out clean energy, and it’s going to be a game changer for our state.

This funding is part of a nearly $5 billion initiative to help states and local governments put together plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut down on dangerous pollution in our air and water. As part of the historic investments made possible by the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, this program will help tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition.

Applying for Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funding was a competitive process, and the fact that these large-scale investments are coming to Michigan is a testament to our state’s leadership in clean energy and climate action. After all, we did pass the Clean Energy and Jobs Act last year, which sets our state on a path to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040. 

In her announcement celebrating the news, Governor Gretchen Whitmer noted that the $129 million will help Michigan accelerate and achieve our clean energy and climate goals outlined in her MI Healthy Climate Plan:

“Michigan is committed to leading the future of clean energy so we can drive down utility costs for families, create good-paying jobs, and grow our advanced manufacturing economy…Together, we can install more solar panels and wind turbines using well-paid American workers. We can make clean, reliable energy right here in America while lowering costs and keeping our natural resources safe for future generations. Together, let’s keep leading the future of clean energy manufacturing and move towards our goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. Let’s get it done.” – Governor Gretchen Whitmer

 

The clean energy sector is creating good-paying jobs for Michiganders. Michigan leads the Midwest with nearly 124,000 clean energy workers, and the clean energy sector grew almost twice as fast as the overall economy in 2023. This new funding will accelerate this important part of our economy, creating good jobs for Michiganders. 

Why this matters

Michigan has bold goals for building out clean energy. This funding will help us meet the goal of 60% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% clean energy in the coming decades.

The $129 million grant will transform how we site renewable energy projects and decarbonize the electricity sector by funding the brand-new Renewables Ready Communities Program. This program will provide financial support and incentives to local and tribal governments that approve and host utility-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects. By streamlining the planning, zoning, and permitting processes, Michigan can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, create good-paying jobs, lower energy costs, and protect our state’s natural resources.

To ensure the success of this initiative, Governor Whitmer’s office has outlined five key strategies:

1. Expanding the Renewables Ready Communities Award Pilot: This initiative, launched with a one-time state investment of $30 million, provides financial incentives to local and tribal governments that approve and host renewable energy projects.
2. Creating the Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot Program: This program will provide grants for renewable energy projects on brownfields, incentivizing the deployment of clean energy on previously used land.
3. Strengthening EGLE’s Renewable Energy Academy: This will develop technical assistance for local and tribal governments to improve planning, siting, and permitting processes for renewable energy facilities.
4. Supporting Workforce Development Programs: In coordination with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, these programs will ensure Michigan has the skilled workforce needed to build and maintain renewable energy infrastructure.
5. Developing a Renewables Ready Communities Strategic Plan: This comprehensive strategy will guide utility-scale and brownfield renewable energy projects to meet the state’s 60% renewable energy by 2030 goals.

This historic federal funding is a crucial step forward for Michigan’s clean energy future. While much work remains ahead of us in the transition to a clean energy future, the continued hard work and resilience shown by Governor Whitmer and our state’s elected leaders and the support from the Biden-Harris administration and the EPA highlight the positive impacts of clean energy investments. 

One thing remains clear – Michigan is leading the way as we build a sustainable, economically vibrant, and environmentally just future for all.