We have big news to share. Governor Whitmer has officially signed the Clean Energy Future Package into law, a significant step forward towards protecting Michigan’s people and birds from climate change! With the Governor’s signature today, the Wolverine state has joined the growing list of states who have passed policies to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses coming from its power sector.
The Michigan Clean Energy Future Package is a collection of three climate-friendly bills (SB 271, SB 273, and SB 502) that together will:
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Accelerate the deployment of responsibly sited carbon-free energy sources that will set Michigan on a path to a 100 percent clean energy future by 2040;
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Expand energy efficiency programs for electric and gas utilities in the state; and
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Require the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to consider factors like affordability, reliability, and impact on communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution when considering utilities’ energy plans.
Two-thirds of North American bird species are at-risk of extinction from climate change. Species like Michigan’s Black Tern, which nests in our marshes, are hanging on by a thread. If those marshes are flooded by rising waters, this species loses its nesting habitat. That’s just one example of how climate change will impact our local wildlife if we don’t take immediate action to address warming temperatures.
By setting the state on a path toward 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2040, these bills represent a comprehensive strategy to tackle this global challenge.
How Audubon Mobilized for Carbon-Free Energy in Michigan
In order to get these bills across the finish line, Audubon Great Lakes educated elected officials, called on our members to take action, and worked to make sure that these policies will help to protect birds and communities in Michigan.
We worked closely with legislators. Audubon Great Lakes submitted written testimony to the Michigan Senate and House to help strengthen the legislation. We partnered with Audubon chapter leaders in Michigan to take key legislators on bird walks, where we shared the importance of policies that protect birds.
Audubon members united in action. In October, more than 60 Audubon members gathered for Birds and Brews at Brewery Faisan in Detroit to hear a panel discussion from environmental and policy experts on solutions, like the Clean Energy Future plan, that will protect Michigan’s birds from climate change.
Last year, Governor Whitmer called on Michigan to address climate change. Since then, Audubon members like you have sent more than 1,500 messages letting decision-makers and legislators know that birds are facing a climate emergency and urging them to make clean energy legislation a priority. And they listened!
Thank you to everyone who wrote a letter, made a call, attended an advocacy day or wrote to their local newspaper. All of your efforts helped to get us to this important milestone.
It takes courage to pass monumental clean energy legislation like this. Let your legislators know you value this critical work. Please take a moment to thank Governor Gretchen Whitmer and your state legislators who set the state on a path to a carbon-free future by passing this historic legislation.
We’re celebrating this win for birds, but our work is not over. Audubon Great Lakes is committed to continuing our work with lawmakers, partners, and communities to ensure these policies are implemented equitably and programs like community solar are expanded throughout the state. Together, we can create a more resilient and sustainable future for Michigan, its wildlife, and its people.
