Recommendations come as state finalizes MI Healthy Climate plan, sets Michigan on path to carbon neutrality by 2050
LANSING – Yesterday, the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions was meeting to discuss public recommendations to the draft MI Healthy Climate Plan as more than 20 businesses and organizations release an open letter proposing solutions to achieving Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s carbon neutrality goals.
These goals include:
- Reaching at least a 26-28% reduction below 2005 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
- Pursuing a 52% reduction below 2005 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
- Achieving economy-wide carbon neutrality no later than 2050.
Gov. Whitmer appointed the Council on Climate Solutions to finalize recommendations for the state to reach and attain the goals, which the open letter states are “necessary, bold and achievable.”
“Equity should be central to the final MI Healthy Climate Plan because communities of color and low-income residents shoulder an uneven burden under the current status quo,” said Laprisha Daniels, executive director for Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice. “While pursuing carbon neutrality as an overarching goal, the final plan must address Michigan’s needs for climate adaptation and resilience. Michiganders are experiencing the effects of climate change in their everyday lives. Whether it’s a flooded basement because of intense rainstorms and sewage overflows into the Great Lakes or poor air quality days that force children with asthma to stay indoors – the status quo is not working.”
The open letter also calls for Justice 40 to be applied to state-funded investments in all forms of infrastructure, whether covered by Federal Justice 40 standards or not.
“Right now, public health is not factored into how Michigan regulates its energy industry,” said Kathleen Slonager, executive director of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America – Michigan Chapter. “Reducing dangerous pollution in our air and water over the next 30 years will reduce respiratory diseases, decrease hospital visits from cardiovascular and pulmonary illnesses, as well as cut lost productivity days for Michigan workers. That is why public health should be factored into these state policy decisions moving forward.”
Addressing greenhouse gas emissions across a variety of industries presents an economic opportunity for Michigan, the open letter states.
“Whether its Michigan auto manufacturers moving toward an electric vehicle future or a small business trying to become more energy-efficient and meet their sustainability goals, a statewide plan that coordinates among industries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is critical,” said Bob Sutherland, owner of Cherry Republic and member of the Great Lakes Business Network. “Business isn’t conducted in a silo. That’s why we believe the final MI Healthy Climate Plan can be a roadmap for economic development across our great state.”
A full list of businesses and organizations that have signed onto the letter can be found online.
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