MICHIGAN (April 21, 2022) – Today, Governor Whitmer and Michigan’s Council on Climate Solutions announced the release of the final MI Healthy Climate Plan, which outlines the state’s bold and ambitious plan to address climate change.

“Two-thirds of North American birds are at risk of extinction due to climate change. This plan sets the state on a strong path towards reducing emissions while benefiting Michigan’s economy and birds,” said Adam Forrer, Policy Director of Climate for Audubon Great Lakes. “The MI Healthy Climate Plan increases the state’s use of clean, renewable energy and enhances energy efficiency in the years ahead to reduce pollution and protect wildlife and people across the state.”

Storm events and rising water levels caused by climate change are threatening the habitat that species like the Black Tern need to survive. Black Terns have experienced a dramatic population decline over the past 50 years, with only 1.4 percent of the nationwide population remaining in the state.

Renewable energy sources are key to reducing greenhouse gas pollution, which is what we must do to abate global temperature rise and protect birds and the places they need to survive. The plan guides the state in boosting renewable energy use and energy efficiency as Michigan grows its clean energy economy.

The plan’s goals include:

• Generate 60 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable energy sources by retiring all coal-fired power plants by 2030.
• Cut 28 percent of state emissions by 2025.
• Ensure that at least 40 percent of any state funding used for climate and water-related infrastructure goes to disadvantaged and BIPOC communities.

Michigan’s clean energy sector supports more than 113,456 jobs and pumps $5 billion annually into Michigan’s economy. The MI Healthy Climate Plan looks to grow the state’s economy by transitioning toward renewable energy options, while focusing on job training and workforce development opportunities.

More than 900 Audubon members across Michigan took action during a public comment period, encouraging EGLE and the Council on Climate Solutions to strengthen the plan for the benefit of birds and people.

“Audubon Great Lakes thanks Governor Whitmer for releasing the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which provides a blueprint for how Michigan will address the climate crisis. We look forward to supporting the advancement of responsibly sited renewable energy in the state to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050,” said Forrer.

About Audubon Great Lakes

Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of National Audubon Society. Learn more at gl.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive.

TO REQUEST AN INTERVIEW: Emily Osborne, emily.osborne@audubon.org, 414-841-5273