To lay this groundwork, Michigan passed a package of clean energy policies that includes a 100 percent clean energy standard (CES) by 2040, legislation that will clear the path for more wind and solar projects, a major boost to their efforts to reduce energy waste, and a directive to establish a community and worker transition office—in addition to capitalizing on clean energy funding opportunities within the IRA. Together, these policies can transform Michigan from one of the nation's worst offenders for climate pollution and asthma rates into a cleaner, healthier state. 

Michigan Serves Up a Winning Formula for Country-Wide Progress

The impressive results of these climate policies are a testament to the potential for a brighter future, not just for Michigan, but for the entire nation. By building on the Great Lake State’s proven approach and taking these three steps, we can hold onto a better future for Michigan and the rest of the U.S.

1. Advance ambitious state-level climate action.

Michigan’s laws were designed to maximize and build on the impact of the IRA. By creating local climate pollution reduction and workforce development regulations, passing a clean energy standard, advancing building electrification, and more, states can capture more funding, couple it with local investment, tailor policies to local needs, and ultimately, multiply their impact. 

2. Elect climate-minded Democratic state leadership.

To pass these kinds of policies that invest in communities, you need leaders who believe in science and good governance. Michigan was able to pass ambitious, actionable climate policies thanks to a Democratic trifecta, close coordination with local businesses and advocates, and a strong partnership between Gov. Whitmer and the White House. Simply put, we can’t make climate progress if we’re led by climate change deniers. 

3. Protect the IRA and accelerate future climate action by electing Harris-Walz.

The progress we’ve made so far wouldn’t be possible without the forward-looking vision of the Biden-Harris administration, and a Trump presidency threatens to both undercut this progress and pull us decades backward. Donald Trump has promised to repeal the IRA and all the benefits that come with it, along with brazenly offering a billion-dollar bribe to corporate polluters. The only way we can secure the projected benefits from 5 Lakes Energy’s modeling is for us to elect the sole presidential candidate with a strong track record of climate leadership into the White House. 

The proof is in the numbers, and the data from Michigan shows us that aligning federal funding with strong state climate action is the key to economic growth, jobs, less pollution, more health and energy savings, and thriving communities. The pathway to this better future has already been charted; we just need to walk down it.