Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council releases statement as President Biden signs historic bill
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council released the following statement as President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act Tuesday.
“The Inflation Reduction Act will spur further private investment in clean energy across the great state of Michigan and create good-paying jobs for residents working here,” said Dr. Laura Sherman, president for the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. “Michigan is in a moment for vast transformation when it comes to the ways we power our homes and businesses. We’re at the forefront of innovation, and this bill comes at a key time.”
Signing of the bill comes on top of available federal funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Earlier this year, EIBC released its “Advanced Energy Infrastructure: A Roadmap for Implementation in Michigan” which details how Michigan can capitalize on that federal funding.
As of 2020, there were more than 113,000 advanced energy jobs in Michigan. Michigan recently ranked first in the nation for job growth in the energy sector, according to the U.S. Energy and Employment Jobs Report (USEER).
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The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC) is a trade organization with more than 140 business members. Our mission is to grow Michigan’s opportunities for innovation and business growth by offering a unified voice to create a business-friendly environment for the advanced energy industry in Michigan. Michigan EIBC represents companies across the full range of the advanced energy sector, including: advanced materials, batteries and energy storage, biomass and biofuels, combined heat and power, community development, consulting, demand response, electric vehicles and mobility, energy efficiency, geothermal, law, lighting, lobbying and advocacy, performance contracting, purchasers of renewable energy, smart grid and optimization, solar, and wind. Advanced Energy Economy is a National Associate Member of Michigan EIBC.
Michigan groups respond to climate law signed by President Biden
Fossil fuel giveaways ignore climate impacts to frontline communities while law simultaneously makes critical investments in clean energy
Michigan – Michigan residents are getting a mixed bag when it comes to the climate parts of the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden today.
Clean energy tax credits and rebates will be available for Michigan residents installing rooftop solar, purchasing electric heating and cooling appliances, energy efficient appliances or buying a used or new electric vehicle. Political negotiations leading to the final passage of the bill through Congress did not include voices of frontline communities, which also led to several giveaways for the fossil fuel industry.
Michigan groups released the following statements:
“The Inflation Reduction Act promises climate benefits for some at the expense of Black, Brown, Indigenous, and poor communities. While the IRA allocates some funds for disadvantaged communities, it also funds fossil fuel expansion, carbon capture, hydrogen, and nuclear energy. That is not in the spirit of a Just Transition. No community should be sacrificed or left behind.” said Juan Jhong-Chung, Climate Justice Director for the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition. “Right here in Michigan, we are threatened by spills from Line 5, which transports oil into the Marathon Refinery in Southwest Detroit, one of the most polluted areas in our entire state. MEJC stands in solidarity with our siblings in Alaska, the Gulf, Appalachia and any part of the country that will be forced to host more toxic projects funded by this legislation.”
“Environmental policies touted as just should respect all people, regardless of income, race, gender, or class. Although the Inflation Reduction Act is a step forward, the side deals made to ensure passage negate this principle,” said Branden Snyder, Co-Executive of Detroit Action. “We’re extremely concerned about the ‘Permitting Reform’ amendment that will fast track polluting projects in Black, Brown, Indigenous and low-income communities. Increasing the production of fossil fuels accelerates climate change and threatens disadvantaged communities.”
“The Inflation Reduction Act is a needed step forward in building the clean energy economy of the future,” said Hudson Villeneuve, Federal Government Affairs Coordinator for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “We share the concerns of environmental justice and low-income communities who will be disproportionately impacted by the fossil fuel giveaways in this bill. This bill has the potential to create good paying jobs, clean up air and lower energy costs for working families, but we must fight to ensure that frontline communities are prioritized for investments.”
“While the legislation isn’t perfect, the investment is still a major victory in our journey to a clean energy future,” said Kathleen Slonager, Executive Director of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America – Michigan Chapter. “This will go a long way toward reducing the dangerous pollution that causes asthma, lung disease, cancer, and ultimately it will save lives.”
“The electric vehicle tax credits in this legislation will benefit Michigan consumers who want to avoid costly trips to the gas pump and do their part in reducing harmful pollution by joining the EV revolution,” said Jane McCurry, Executive Director of Clean Fuels Michigan. “Michigan also stands to gain a significant number of jobs as our state’s manufacturing infrastructure and know-how ideally positions us to build the EVs, batteries, and chargers that will power our clean mobility future.”
“Investing in clean, renewable energy like solar and wind benefits the Great Lakes state by generating revenue to local communities, supporting farmers and keeping our air and water clean,” said John Freeman, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. “We applaud Congress for passing this historic investment and for President Biden for signing the bill into law.”
“In addition to all the good news for renewable energy, this legislation also contains substantial support for energy efficiency in homes and businesses,” said Martin Kushler, Senior Fellow with the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. “This will save customers money while substantially reducing carbon emissions.”
“Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action applaud the U.S. Congress for passing the most robust
climate provisions to date in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA),” said Elizabeth Del Buono, a
Physician Advocate with MiCCA. “As clinicians we recognize climate change is a public health
emergency. While additional legislation will be needed to avoid the worst impacts of our changing climate and ensure an equitable future for all, this is a significant first step towards lowering emissions and improving the health of all people, especially those living in communities closest to heavy traffic and polluting industries.”
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