Yesterday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer confirmed that climate action is a top priority for immediate legislative action during remarks at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Whitmer said that climate was “next up” after the budget during a question about top legislative priorities. Evergreen Action Midwest Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager Courtney Bourgoin released the following statement on Whitmer’s focus on bold climate action:

“We applaud Governor Whitmer for putting climate action front and center in her agenda. The Legislature must codify Governor Whitmer’s common-sense goals to combat the costly impacts of climate change in Michigan. With the governor’s clear support of this work, the Legislature should pass legislation to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and reform the Public Service Commission, as proposed in the Senate’s Clean Future Plan. Michiganders have been living with the devastating effects of climate change for years, and it’s only getting worse. From some of the worst asthma rates in the country and rolling blackouts to reports as recent as this week of schools closing due to extreme heat, Michigan communities deserve immediate action.

“Governor Whitmer is right to make climate action a top priority. We look forward to the swift passage of this legislation. Let’s get this done.”