Advocacy News – April 14, 2023
Hundreds of NGOs, state agencies and businesses – including the Michigan Chamber – from across the state came together this week in Detroit to discuss the many facets of climate change and the clean energy transition. The MI Healthy Climate Conference was hosted by the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy or EGLE. Here’s a quick recap and some key takeaways from the event:
- The two-day conference brought together nearly 600 stakeholders from across the state and nation to talk about and implement key actions in the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
- Michigan’s first statewide climate conference focused on meeting Gov. Whitmer’s climate commitments as laid out in this Plan. The conference featured presentations, workshops and remarks from state officials, business leaders, advocates, tribal nations, academia, organized labor and more.
- The governor gave the keynote address to the at capacity conference , focusing on themes of protecting Michiganders from the most significant impacts of climate change while seizing the economic opportunities of a clean energy transition. Whitmer also announced that the state has been awarded $3 million from the federal government for the purpose of implementing the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
- Gov. Garlin Gilchrist addressed attendees at a reception event Tuesday evening, advocating for equitable and urgent action to protect Michiganders from climate impacts, and to and ensure everyone benefits from a clean energy economy.
- Scott Whitcomb, director of the Office of Public Lands for the Department of Natural Resources, spoke at length about the agency’s work in developing a first of its kind carbon credit program for managed forests. He also talked about the Department’s increased efforts around the mass timber industry, which contributes $20 billion to Michigan’s economy, and announced a new effort to host a ‘30 by 30’ summit to convene a stakeholder-driven effort to conserve 30% of Michigan public lands and 30% of its waters by 2030.
- The MI Chamber is currently engaged in monthly calls with the Office on Climate and Energy, and continues to advocate for, market-driven solutions as the implementation of the plan moves forward.
While the conference was taking place, Michigan’s Senate Democrats used the event as a platform to announce an outline of a planned multi-bill package that would make major far-reaching changes to Michigan’s energy laws. The Michigan Chamber will be reviewing these bills closely and sharing updates as the details come to light. The Chamber’s initial reaction was that the push for clean energy was important but must be equally balanced in a way that also ensures reliability and affordability and doesn’t create undue hardship and unintended consequences for Michigan families, businesses and communities. Check out this Bridge Michigan article for a rough overview of what was outlined.
For questions or more information, contact Mike Alaimo at malaimo@michamber.com.