Could Michigan be carbon neutral by 2050? A plan has been introduced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office to create the MI Healthy Climate Plan with carbon neutrality in the next thirty years as the goal.
In introducing the plan by way of Executive Order 2020-182 and Executive Directive 2020-10, Whitmer said, “The science is clear – climate change is directly impacting our public health, environment, our economy, and our families.”
The plan does not specify the methods, but tasks the Office of Climate and Energy in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to develop and implement the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The Governor’s goal is to have state government lead the effort with the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget regulating new state buildings and facilities in accordance with the Healthy Climate Plan.
The plan has been endorsed by leaders from Steelcase, Utility Workers Union of America, the Sierra Club, and the American Lung Association. Those interested in being appointed to the Council for Climate Solutions can go to www.michigan.gov/appoinments and fill out an application by November 1, 2020.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
