Grand Rapids Reporter

A guide known as the MI Healthy Climate Plan is set to lead the state to obtain carbon neutrality by 2050 with 2030 objectives, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“One of Michigan’s greatest assets is its location advantage, including our access to water resources of the Great Lakes. The MI Healthy Climate Plan helps us minimize that location advantage by ensuring that we are intentional about preserving that advantage for future generations,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “At MEDC, we are focused on attracting and growing businesses that not only create jobs but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic opportunity and well-being for all Michiganders.”

According to a news release by the governor’s office, Whitmer made the announcement at a large solar array in Traverse City alongside Liesl Clark, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), business owners, tribal leaders, and students.  

“This is a uniquely Michigan plan. It was shaped by a multitude of Michiganders with varied perspectives on climate change,” said Liesl Clark, EGLE Director. “We heard from environmental justice, public transit, local food, and climate action advocates; an array of business and labor leaders; academic experts and local government officials; and concerned residents of all political persuasions and walks of life. The resulting MI Healthy Climate Plan will be a game-changer for Michigan’s economy and environment. It is a bold plan that a broad cross-section of Michiganders can rally around.”

The release reported that the plan will create over 10,000 jobs, spark economic opportunities and enhance public health.  

“The Michigan Healthy Climate Plan is a bold first step toward mitigating the worst impacts of climate change while advancing opportunity, justice, and health. We have a long way to go, but this plan moves us quickly to get onto the right path,” said Phil Roos, CEO of Great Lakes GrowthWorks and Co-Chair of the Council on Climate Solutions. “Kudos to Governor Whitmer for her leadership in setting goals that match the magnitude of the challenge, and to her and EGLE Director Clark for putting in place a collaborative process that gave voice to an incredibly wide range of perspectives. That process has led to a plan that is Michigan-centric, positioning our state as a leader in the clean economy of the future, as a healthy refuge in a rapidly warming climate, and as leaders in advancing opportunity and justice for all as we make this important and critical transition to a decarbonized economy and healthier life for all the citizens of our state.”

Along with the building on the suggestions of municipalities and tribal communities, the private sector will also have input, according to the release.

 “Hemlock Semiconductor’s core focus on driving sustainability and combating climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of our products and manufacturing processes is aligned with Governor Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan,” said Steven Holty, Hemlock Semiconductor Sustainability leader and co-chair of the Energy Intensive Industries Workgroup for the Council on Climate Solutions.