A Balanced Approach to Clean Energy Benefits all Michiganders

Recent initiatives by local energy providers and Michigan-based companies continue to help our state preserve its role as a leader in clean energy. Maintaining a balanced approach to achieving our clean energy and net zero goals is a critical part of these efforts.

Local energy providers and Michigan businesses alike are working to secure a cleaner, more sustainable energy future—without sacrificing reliability, fairness, or affordability—by focusing on the bigger picture of carbon reduction. That means expanding use of renewables while also advancing other clean energy goals and technologies.

Some recent developments transforming Michigan’s clean energy landscape include:

• • Consumers Energy’s recent opening of the new, 166 megawatt Crescent Wind Park in Hillsdale County. The new wind park boasts 60 turbines and represent a $246 million investment in Michigan’s clean energy capabilities. It is the local energy provider’s fourth major wind park, capable of producing enough clean, renewable energy to power nearly 250,000 Michigan residents.

• • DTE Energy’s new renewable natural gas and forest preservation program, CleanVision Natural Gas Balance. The program allows consumers to reduce their carbon footprints by using renewable natural gas as part of their net zero plan. It focuses on protecting Michigan forests, which are vital in absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

• • DTE Energy’s partnership with local manufacturers and schools to advance electric vehicles (EVs). Ann Arbor and Roseville schools received six zero-emissions electric school buses through an effort spearheaded by DTE Energy in partnership with the school districts, Hoekstra Transportation, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. They are expected “to save nearly 490 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime,” contributing to Michigan’s carbon reduction and clean energy goals.

• • The announcement by General Motors that the company has “pledged to stop making gasoline-powered passenger cars, vans and sport utility vehicles by 2035. The Detroit-based company is investing $27 billion in EVs and related technologies through 2025, with an ultimate goal of producing around 30 types of EVs. This is just the latest example of how the Big Three automakers are stepping up their commitment to securing a cleaner energy future for Michiganders and all Americans.

Reaching Michigan’s net zero goals will require increasing use of our renewable energy resources. However, universal wind and solar power alone won’t be enough to hit those goals or secure the clean energy future Michigan communities deserve.

Multiple sectors—from the private to the public—need to work together to innovation, create local jobs, and support investments across Michigan’s economy. Ultimately, when it comes to our goals as a state, balance is the key to a cleaner, more economically vibrant future for Michigan.

What do you think about the approach Michigan is taking to advancing balanced clean energy solutions? Let us know by joining the conversation on Facebook.